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Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on driving licences (Recast) (Text with EEA relevance)
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‘ Vehicle with manual transmission ’ means a vehicle in which a clutch pedal (or lever operated manually for categories A, A2 and A1) is present and must be operated by the driver when starting or stopping the vehicle and changing gears.
Without prejudice to point 5.1.3, 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.
Member States may decide that no restriction to vehicles with automatic transmission shall be recorded on the driving licence for a category BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E vehicle referred to in point 5.1.2, when the applicant already holds a driving licence obtained on a vehicle with manual transmission in at least one of the following categories: B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, and has performed the actions described in point 8.4 during the test of skills and behaviour.] ]
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating not exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0,1 kW/kg, and capable of a speed of at least 90 km/h.
If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 120 cm 3 .
If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0,08 kW/kg;
Motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating of at least 20 kW but not exceeding 35 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0,2 kW/kg.
[F2If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cubic capacity of the engine shall be at least 250 cm 3 .]
If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0,15 kW/kg;
Motorcycle without sidecar, whose unladen mass is more than 180 kg, with a power rating of at least 50 kW. A tolerance of 5 kg below the required minimum mass may be accepted by the Member State.
If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cubic capacity of the engine shall be at least 600 cm 3 .
If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0,25 kW/kg [F3.]
Textual Amendments
[F4Member States may authorise the use of motorcycles of category A whose unladen mass is below 180 kg, and with a power rating of at least 40 kW and below 50 kW, until 31 December 2018 ;] ]
Textual Amendments
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 transmission system providing for a manual selection of gears by the driver 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 transmission system providing for a manual selection of gears by the driver 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(1).
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);
[F5Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;]
Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.
Textual Amendments
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);
[F5Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;]
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;
[F1Checking 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. This latter requirement does not apply to the applicants for a driving licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicle not falling within the scope of this Regulation;]
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);
[F5Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnels;]
Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
Textual Amendments
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);
[F1Driving economically and in a safe and energy-efficient way, taking into account the revolutions per minute, changing gears, braking and accelerating (categories B, 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.
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).
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