Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that applicants for driving licences possess the knowledge and skills and exhibit the behaviour required for driving a motor vehicle. The tests introduced to this effect must consist of:
a theory test, and then
a test of skills and behaviour.
The conditions under which these tests shall be conducted are set out below.
The form chosen shall be such as to make sure that the applicant has the required knowledge of the subjects listed on points 2, 3 and 4.
Any applicant for a licence in one category who has passed a theory test for a licence in a different category may be exempt from the common provisions of points 2, 3 and 4.
Road traffic regulations:
in particular as regards road signs, markings and signals, rights of way and speed limits;
The driver:
importance of alertness and of attitude to other road users,
perception, judgement and decision-taking, especially reaction time, as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and fatigue;
The road:
the most important principles concerning the observance of a safe distance between vehicles, braking distances and road holding under various weather and road conditions,
driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or night,
characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory requirements;
Other road users:
specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road users and the most vulnerable categories of users such as children, pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is reduced,
risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of vehicles and of the different fields of view of their drivers;
General rules and regulations and other matters:
rules concerning the administrative documents required for the use of vehicles,
general rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event of an accident (setting warning devices and raising the alarm) and the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims where necessary,
safety factors relating to the vehicle, the load and persons carried;
Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle;
Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety; applicants must be able to detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering, suspension and braking systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators, reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaust system, seat-belts and the audible warning device;
Vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head restraints and child safety equipment;
Rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appropriate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation of pollutant emissions, etc.).
Use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;
Visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users;
Risk factors related to various road conditions as laid down above with additional attention to slippery parts such as drain covers, road markings such as lines and arrows, tram rails;
Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety as laid down above with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels and the chain.
Rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 of 20 December 1985 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport(1); use of the recording equipment as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 of 20 December 1985 on recording equipment in road transport(2),
Rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers;
Vehicle and transport documents required for the national and international carriage of goods and passengers;
How to behave in the event of an accident; knowledge of measures to be taken after an accident or similar occurrence, including emergency action such as evacuation of passengers and basic knowledge of first aid;
The precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of wheels;
Rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters;
Obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their vehicles;
Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional);
Safety factors relating to vehicle loading: controlling the load (stowing and fastening), difficulties with different kinds of load (e.g. liquids, hanging loads, …), loading and unloading goods and the use of loading equipment (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);
The driver's responsibility in respect to the carriage of passengers; comfort and safety of passengers; transport of children; necessary checks before driving away; all sorts of buses should be part of the theory test (public service buses and coaches, buses with special dimensions, …) (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only).
The principles of the construction and functioning of: internal combustion engines, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), the fuel system, the electrical system, the ignition system, the transmission system (clutch, gearbox, etc.);
Lubrication and antifreeze protection;
The principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of tyres;
The principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of brake fittings and speed governors, and use of anti-lock brakes;
The principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems (categories CE, DE only);
Methods of locating causes of breakdowns;
Preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs;
The driver's responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, CE only).
If an applicant takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle with automatic transmission this shall be recorded on any licence issued on the basis of such a test. Licences with this indication shall be used only for driving vehicles with automatic transmission.
‘Vehicle with automatic transmission’ means a vehicle in which the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels can be varied by use only of the accelerator or the brakes
Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar, with a cubic capacity of at least 120 cm3, and capable of a speed of at least 90 km/h
Motorcycle without sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 400 cm3, and an engine power of at least 25 kW
Motorcycle without sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 600 cm3, and an engine power of at least 40 kW
A four-wheeled category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h;
A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 000 kg, capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h, which does not fall within category B; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the motor vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
A motor-powered quadricycle capable of a speed of at least 60 km/h;
A category C vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 12 000 kg, a length of at least 8 m, a width of at least 2,40 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox having at least eight forward ratios and recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; the vehicle shall be presented with a minimum of 10 000 kg real total mass;
either an articulated vehicle or a combination of a category C test vehicle and a trailer of at least 7,5 m in length; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall have a maximum authorised mass of at least 20 000 kg, a length of at least 14 m and a width of at least 2,40 m, shall be capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h, fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox having at least eight forward ratios and with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall be presented with a minimum of 15 000 kg real total mass;
A subcategory C1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4 000 kg, with a length of at least 5 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab;
A combination made up of a subcategory C1 test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kg; this combination shall be at least 8 m in length and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the cab provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
A category D vehicle with a length of at least 10 m, a width of at least 2,40 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85;
A combination made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kg, a width of at least 2,40 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 m wide and 2 m high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
A subcategory D1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4 000 kg, with a length of at least 5 m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85;
A combination made up of a subcategory D1 test vehicle and a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of at least 1 250 kg and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 m wide and 2 m high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass;
Testing vehicles for categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E which are not in conformity with the minimum criteria given above but which were in use on or before the moment of entry into force of this Directive, may still be used for a period not exceeding ten years after that date. The requirements related to the load to be carried by these vehicles, may be implemented by Member States up to ten years from the moment of entry into force of Commission Directive 2000/56/EC(3).
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to ride safely by satisfying the following requirements:
Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;
Perform a random check on the condition of the tyres, brakes, steering, emergency stop switch (if applicable), chain, oil levels, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.
The special manoeuvres mentioned under points 6.2.3 to 6.2.5 have to be implemented at the latest five years after entry into force of Directive 2000/56/EC.
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
Riding round bends;
Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;
Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);
Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes;
Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive safely by satisfying the following requirements:
Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;
Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available;
Checking that the doors are closed;
Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;
Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load (category BE only);
Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (category BE only).
A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (at least two manoeuvres for the four points, including one in reverse gear):
Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane;
Turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears;
Parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or downhill);
Braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency stop is optional.
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
Driving round bends;
Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;
Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);
Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes;
Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive safely by satisfying the following requirements:
Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;
Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available;
Random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;
Checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems; checking the condition of the wheels, wheelnuts, mudguards, windscreen, windows and wipers, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid); checking and using the instrument panel including the recording equipment as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85;
Checking the air pressure, air tanks and the suspension;
Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, loading mechanism (if available), cabin locking (if available), way of loading, securing load (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);
Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (categories CE, C1E, DE, D1E only);
Being capable of taking special vehicle safety measures; controlling the body, service doors, emergency exits, first aid equipment, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only);
Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional).
Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions:
Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway;
Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces;
Driving round bends;
Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;
Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;
Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;
Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);
Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes;
Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
Driving examiners must be trained to assess correctly the applicants' ability to drive safely. The work of driving examiners must be monitored and supervised, by a body authorised by the Member State, to ensure correct and consistent application of fault assessment in accordance with the standards laid down in this Annex.
Controlling the vehicle; taking into account: proper use of safety belts, rear-view mirrors, head restraints; seat; proper use of lights and other equipment; proper use of clutch, gearbox, accelerator, braking systems (including third braking system, if available), steering; controlling the vehicle under different circumstances, at different speeds; steadiness on the road; the weight and dimensions and characteristics of the vehicle; the weight and type of load (categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, DE, D1E only); the comfort of the passengers (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only) (no fast acceleration, smoothly driving and no hard braking);
Driving economically and in an environmentally friendly way, taking into account the revolutions per minute, changing gears, braking and accelerating (categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E only);
Observation: all-round observation; proper use of mirrors; far, middle, near distance vision;
Priority/giving way: priority at crossroads, intersections and junctions; giving way at other occasions (e.g. changing direction, changing lanes, special manoeuvres);
Correct position on the road: proper position on the road, in lanes, on roundabouts, round bends, suitable for the type and the characteristics of the vehicle; pre-positioning;
Keeping distance: keeping adequate distance to the front and the side; keeping adequate distance from other road users;
Speed: not exceeding the maximum allowed speed; adapting speed to weather/traffic conditions and where appropriate up to national speed limits; driving at such a speed that stopping within distance of the visible and free road is possible; adapting speed to general speed of same kind of road users;
Traffic lights, road signs and other indications: acting correctly at traffic lights; obeying instructions from traffic controllers; acting correctly at road signs (prohibitions or commands); take appropriate action at road markings;
Signalling: give signals where necessary, correctly and properly timed; indicating directions correctly; taking appropriate action with regard to all signals made by other road users;
Braking and stopping: decelerating in time, braking or stopping according to circumstances; anticipation; using the various braking systems (only for categories C, CE, D, DE); using speed reduction systems other than the brakes (only for categories C, CE, D, DE).
The length of the test and the distance travelled must be sufficient to assess the skills and behaviour laid down in paragraph B of this Annex. In no circumstances should the time spent driving on the road be less than 25 minutes for categories A, A1, A2, B, B1 and BE and 45 minutes for the other categories. This does not include the reception of the applicant, the preparation of the vehicle, the technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety, the special manoeuvres and the announcement of the outcome of the practical test.
The part of the test to assess the special manoeuvres may be conducted on a special testing ground. Wherever practicable, the part of the test to assess behaviour in traffic should be conducted on roads outside built-up areas, expressways and motorways (or similar), as well as on all kinds of urban streets (residential areas, 30 and 50 km/h areas, urban expressways) which should represent the various types of difficulty likely to be encountered by drivers. It is also desirable for the test to take place in various traffic density conditions. The time spent driving on the road should be used in an optimal way to assess the applicant in all the various traffic areas that can be encountered, with a special emphasis on changing between these areas.
Drivers of all power-driven vehicles must at any moment have the knowledge, skills and behaviour described under points 1 to 9, with a view to be able to:
Recognise traffic dangers and assess their seriousness,
Have sufficient command of their vehicle not to create dangerous situations and to react appropriately should such situations occur,
Comply with road traffic regulations, and in particular those intended to prevent road accidents and to maintain the flow of traffic,
Detect any major technical faults in their vehicles, in particular those posing a safety hazard, and have them remedied in an appropriate fashion,
Take account of all the factors affecting driving behaviour (e.g. alcohol, fatigue, poor eyesight, etc.) so as to retain full use of the faculties needed to drive safely,
Help ensure the safety of all road users, and in particular of the weakest and most exposed by showing due respect for others.
Member States may implement the appropriate measures to ensure that drivers who have lost the knowledge, skills and behaviour as described under points 1 to 9 can recover this knowledge and these skills and will continue to exhibit such behaviour required for driving a motor vehicle.
OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1. Regulation as repealed by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 1).
OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 8. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.
Commission Directive 2000/56/EC of 14 September 2000 amending Council Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences (OJ L 237, 21.9.2000, p. 45).