Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on driving licences (Recast) (Text with EEA relevance)
Modified by
- Commission Directive 2009/113/ECof 25 August 2009amending Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences, 32009L0113, August 26, 2009
- Commission Directive 2011/94/EUof 28 November 2011amending Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences, 32011L0094, November 29, 2011
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Category AM: -
Two-wheel vehicles or three-wheel vehicles with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h, as defined in Article 1(2)(a) of Directive 2002/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 March 2002 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles (excluding those with a maximum design speed under or equal to 25 km/h), and light quadricycles as defined in Article 1(3)(a) of Directive 2002/24/EC,OJ L 124, 9.5.2002, p. 1 . Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2005/30/EC (OJ L 106, 27.4.2005, p. 17 ). the minimum age for category AM is fixed at 16 years;
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"motorcycle" means two-wheel vehicles with or without a sidecar, as defined in Article 1(2)(b) of Directive 2002/24/EC, "motor tricycle" means vehicles with three symmetrically arranged wheels, as defined in Article 1(2)(c) of Directive 2002/24/EC;
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(a) Category A1: -
motorcycles with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres, of a power not exceeding 11 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0,1 kW/kg, motor tricycles with a power not exceeding 15 kW, the minimum age for category A1 is fixed at 16 years;
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(b) Category A2: -
motorcycles of a power not exceeding 35 kW and with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0,2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power, the minimum age for category A2 is fixed at 18 years;
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(c) Category A: -
(i) motorcycles -
The minimum age for category A is fixed at 20 years. However, access to the driving of motorcycles of this category shall be subject to a minimum of two years' experience on motorcycles under an A2 licence. This requirement as to previous experience may be waived if the candidate is at least 24 years old.
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(ii) motor tricycles with a power exceeding 15 kW -
The minimum age for motor tricycles exceeding 15 kW is fixed at 21 years.
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"motor vehicle" means any power-driven vehicle, which is normally used for carrying persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods. This term shall include trolleybuses, i.e. vehicles connected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne. It shall not include agricultural or forestry tractors, "Agricultural or forestry tractor" means any power-driven vehicle running on wheels or tracks, having at least two axles, the principal function of which lies in its tractive power, which is specially designed to pull, push, carry or operate certain tools, machines or trailers used in connection with agricultural or forestry operations, and the use of which for carrying persons or goods by road or drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods is only a secondary function;
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(a) Category B1: -
quadricycles, as defined in Article 1(3)(b) of Directive 2002/24/EC, the minimum age for category B1 is fixed at 16 years, category B1 is optional; in Member States which do not introduce this category of driving licence, a driving licence for category B shall be required to drive such vehicles;
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(b) Category B: motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3500 kg and designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg.Without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 750 kg, provided that the maximum authorised mass of this combination does not exceed 4250 kg. In case such a combination exceeds3500 kg, Member States shall, in accordance with the provisions of Annex V, require that this combination shall only be driven after:-
a training has been completed, or a test of skills and behaviour has been passed.
Member States may also require both such a training and the passing of a test of skills and behaviour. Member States shall indicate the entitlement to drive such a combination on the driving licence by means of the relevant Community code. The minimum age for category B is fixed at 18 years; -
(c) Category BE: -
without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor vehicle in category B and a trailer or semi-trailer where the maximum authorised mass of the trailer or semi-trailer does not exceed 3500 kg, the minimum age for category BE is fixed at 18 years;
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(d) Category C1: motor vehicles other than those in categories D1 or D, the maximum authorised mass of which exceeds 3500 kg, but does not exceed7500 kg, and which are designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kg;(e) Category C1E: -
without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C1 and its trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed 12000 kg, without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category B and its trailer or semi-trailer has an authorised mass of over 3500 kg, provided that the authorised mass of the combination does not exceed12000 kg,the minimum age for categories C1 and C1E is fixed at the age of 18 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers ;OJ L 226, 10.9.2003, p. 4 . Directive as amended by Council Directive 2004/66/EC (OJ L 168, 1.5.2004, p. 35 ).
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(f) Category C: motor vehicles other than those in categories D1 or D, whose maximum authorised mass is over 3500 kg and which are designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg;(g) Category CE: -
without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category C and its trailer or semi-trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg, the minimum age for categories C and CE is fixed at 21 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC;
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(h) Category D1: motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver and with a maximum length not exceeding 8 m; motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kg; (i) Category D1E: -
without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D1 and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg, the minimum age for categories D1 and D1E is fixed at 21 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC;
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(j) Category D: motor vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; motor vehicles which may be driven with a category D licence may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg; (k) Category DE: -
without prejudice to the provisions of type-approval rules for the vehicles concerned, combinations of vehicles where the tractor vehicle is in category D and its trailer has a maximum authorised mass of over 750 kg, the minimum age for categories D and DE is fixed at 24 years, without prejudice to the provisions for the driving of such vehicles in Directive 2003/59/EC;
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(a) for category AM down to 14 years or up to 18 years; (b) for category B1 up to 18 years; (c) for category A1 up to 17 or 18 years, -
if there is a two years difference between the minimum age for category A1 and the minimum age for category A2, and there is a requirement of a minimum of two years experience on motorcycles of category A2 before access to the driving of motorcycles for category A can be granted, as referred to in Article 4(3)(c)(i);
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(d) for categories B and BE down to 17 years.
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(a) vehicles used by the fire service and vehicles used for maintaining public order; (b) vehicles undergoing road tests for repair or maintenance purposes.
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(a) licences for categories C1, C, D1 and D shall be issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in category B; (b) licences for categories BE, C1E, CE, D1E and DE shall be issued only to drivers already entitled to drive vehicles in categories B, C1, C, D1 and D respectively.
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(a) licences granted for categories C1E, CE, D1E or DE shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in category BE; (b) licences granted for category CE shall be valid for category DE as long as their holders are entitled to drive vehicles in category D; (c) licences granted for category CE and DE shall be valid for combinations of vehicles in categories C1E and D1E respectively; (d) licences granted for any category shall be valid for vehicles in category AM. However, for driving licences issued on its territory, a Member State may limit the equivalences for category AM to categories A1, A2 and A, if that Member State imposes a practical test as a condition for obtaining category AM; (e) licences issued for category A2 shall also be valid for category A1; (f) licences granted for categories A, B, C or D shall be valid for categories A1, A2, B1, C1, or D1 respectively.
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(a) motor tricycles under a licence for category B, for motor tricycles with a power exceeding 15 kW provided that the holder of the licence for category B is at least 21 years old; (b) category A1 motorcycles under a licence for category B.
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(a) vehicles of category D1 (with a maximum authorised mass of 3500 kg, excluding any specialised equipment intended for the carriage of disabled passengers) by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category B which was obtained at least two years earlier provided that the vehicles are being used by non-commercial bodies for social purposes and that the driver provides his services on a voluntary basis; (b) vehicles of a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3500 kg by holders over 21 years old of a driving licence for category B which was obtained at least two years before, provided that the main purpose of the vehicles is to be used only when stationary as an instructional or recreational area, and that they are being used by non-commercial bodies for social purposes and that vehicles have been modified so that they may not be used either for the transport of more than nine persons or for the transport of any goods other than those strictly necessary for their purposes.
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(a) who have passed a test of skills and behaviour and a theoretical test and who meet medical standards, in accordance with the provisions of Annexes II and III; (b) who have passed a theory test only as regards category AM; Member States may require applicants to pass a test of skills and behaviour and a medical examination for this category. For tricycles and quadricycles within this category, Member States may impose a distinctive test of skills and behaviour. For the differentiation of vehicles in category AM, a national code may be inserted on the driving licence; (c) who have, as regards category A2 or category A, on the condition of having acquired a minimum of 2 years' experience on a motorcycle in category A1 or in category A2 respectively, passed a test of skills and behaviour only, or completed a training pursuant to Annex VI; (d) who have completed a training or passed a test of skills and behaviour, or completed a training and passed a test of skills and behaviour pursuant to Annex V as regards category B for driving a vehicle combination as defined in the second subparagraph of Article 4(4)(b); (e) who have their normal residence in the territory of the Member State issuing the licence, or can produce evidence that they have been studying there for at least six months.
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(a) As from 19 January 2013 , licences issued by Member States for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1 and BE shall have an administrative validity of 10 years.A Member State may choose to issue such licences with an administrative validity of up to 15 years; (b) As from 19 January 2013 , licences issued by Member States for categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E shall have an administrative validity of 5 years;(c) The renewal of a driving licence may trigger a new administrative validity period for another category or categories the licence holder is entitled to drive, insofar as this is in conformity with the conditions laid down in this Directive; (d) The presence of a microchip pursuant to Article 1 shall not be a prerequisite for the validity of a driving licence. The loss or unreadability of the microchip, or any other damage thereto, shall not affect the validity of the document.
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(a) continuing compliance with the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving set out in Annex III for driving licences in categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E; and (b) normal residence in the territory of the Member State issuing the licence, or evidence that applicants have been studying there for at least six months.
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(a) No person may hold more than one driving licence; (b) A Member State shall refuse to issue a licence where it establishes that the applicant already holds a driving licence; (c) Member States shall take the necessary measures pursuant to point (b). The necessary measures as regards the issue, replacement, renewal or exchange of a driving licence shall be to verify with other Member States where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the applicant is already the holder of another driving licence; (d) In order to facilitate the checks pursuant to point (b), Member States shall use the EU driving licence network once it is operational.
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production of false cards: creating a new object which bears great resemblance to the document, either by making it from scratch or by copying an original document, material alteration: changing a property of an original document, e.g. modifying some of the data printed on the document;
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(a) The material used for driving licences shall be made secure against forgery by using the following techniques (mandatory security features): -
card bodies shall be UV dull, a security background pattern designed to be resistant to counterfeit by scanning, printing or copying, using rainbow printing with multicolour security inks and positive and negative guilloche printing. The pattern shall not be composed of the primary colours (CMYK), shall contain complex pattern designs in a minimum of two special colours and shall include micro lettering, optical variable elements providing adequate protection against copying and tampering of the photograph, laser engraving, in the area of the photograph the security design background and photograph should overlap on at least its border (weakening pattern).
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(b) In addition, the material used for driving licences shall be made secure against forgery by using at least three of the following techniques (additional security features): -
colour-shifting inks*, termochromic ink*, custom holograms*, variable laser images*, ultraviolet fluorescent ink, visible and transparent, iridescent printing, digital watermark in the background, infrared or phosphorescent pigments, tactile characters, symbols or patterns*.
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(c) Member States are free to introduce additional security features. As a basis, the techniques indicated with an asterisk are to be preferred as they enable the law enforcement officers to check the validity of the card without any special means.
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(a) the words "Driving Licence" printed in large type in the language or languages of the Member State issuing the licence; (b) the name of the Member State issuing the licence (optional); (c) the distinguishing sign of the Member State issuing the licence, printed in negative in a blue rectangle and encircled by 12 yellow stars; the distinguishing signs shall be as follows: B Belgium BG Bulgaria CZ Czech Republic DK Denmark D Germany EST Estonia GR Greece E Spain F France IRL Ireland I Italy CY Cyprus LV Latvia LT Lithuania L Luxembourg H Hungary M Malta NL The Netherlands A Austria PL Poland P Portugal RO Romania SLO Slovenia SK Slovakia FIN Finland S Sweden UK The United Kingdom; (d) information specific to the licence issued, numbered as follows: -
1. surname of the holder; 2. other name(s) of the holder; 3. date and place of birth; 4. -
(a) date of issue of the licence; (b) date of expiry of the licence or a dash if the licence is valid indefinitely under the provision of Article 7(2)(c); (c) the name of the issuing authority (may be printed on page 2); (d) a different number from the one under heading 5, for administrative purposes (optional);
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5. number of the licence; 6. photograph of the holder; 7. signature of the holder; 8. permanent place of residence, or postal address (optional); 9. category of vehicle(s) the holder is entitled to drive (national categories shall be printed in a different type from harmonised categories);
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(e) the words "European Union model" in the language(s) of the Member State issuing the licence and the words "Driving Licence" in the other languages of the European Union, printed in pink to form the background of the licence: -
Свидетелство за управление на МПС Permiso de Conducción Řidičský průkaz Kørekort Führerschein Juhiluba Άδεια Οδήγησης Driving Licence Permis de conduire Ceadúas Tiomána Patente di guida Vadītāja apliecība Vairuotojo pažymėjimas Vezetői engedély Liċenzja tas-Sewqan Rijbewijs Prawo Jazdy Carta de Condução Permis de conducere Vodičský preukaz Vozniško dovoljenje Ajokortti Körkort;
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(f) Colour references: -
blue: Pantone Reflex Blue, yellow: Pantone Yellow.
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(a) -
9. category of vehicle(s) the holder is entitled to drive (national categories shall be printed in a different type from harmonised categories); 10. date of first issue of each category (this date must be repeated on the new licence in the event of subsequent replacement or exchange); each field of the date shall be written with two digits and in the following sequence: day.month.year (DD.MM.YY); 11. date of expiry of each category; each field of the date shall be written with two digits and in the following sequence: day.month.year (DD.MM.YY); 12. additional information/restriction(s), in code form, facing the (sub)category affected.
The codes shall be as follows: -
codes 01 to 99 harmonised European Union codes DRIVER (Medical reasons) 01. Sight correction and/or protection -
01.01 Glasses 01.02 Contact lense(s) 01.03 Protective glass 01.04 Opaque lense 01.05 Eye cover 01.06 Glasses or contact lenses
02. Hearing aid/communication aid -
02.01 Hearing aid for one ear 02.02 Hearing aid for two ears
03. Prosthesis/orthosis for the limbs -
03.01 Upper limb prosthesis/orthosis 03.02 Lower limb prosthesis/orthosis
05. Limited use (subcode use obligatory, driving subject to restrictions for medical reasons) -
05.01 Limited to day time journeys (for example: one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset) 05.02 Limited to journeys within a radius of … km from holder's place of residence or only inside city/region 05.03 Driving without passengers 05.04 Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than … km/h 05.05 Driving authorised solely when accompanied by a holder of a driving licence 05.06 Without trailer 05.07 No driving on motorways 05.08 No alcohol
VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS 10. Modified transmission -
10.01 Manual transmission 10.02 Automatic transmission 10.03 Electronically operated transmission 10.04 Adjusted gear-shift lever 10.05 Without secondary gearbox
15. Modified clutch -
15.01 Adjusted gear-shift lever 15.02 Manual clutch 15.03 Automatic clutch 15.04 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached clutch pedal
20. Modified braking systems -
20.01 Adjusted brake pedal 20.02 Enlarged brake pedal 20.03 Brake pedal suitable for use by left foot 20.04 Brake pedal by sole 20.05 Tilted brake pedal 20.06 Manual (adapted) service brake 20.07 Maximum use of reinforced service brake 20.08 Maximum use of emergency brake integrated in the service brake 20.09 Adjusted parking brake 20.10 Electrically operated parking brake 20.11 (Adjusted) foot operated parking brake 20.12 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached brake pedal 20.13 Brake operated by knee 20.14 Electrically operated service brake
25. Modified accelerator systems -
25.01 Adjusted accelerator pedal 25.02 Accelerator pedal by sole 25.03 Tilted accelerator pedal 25.04 Manual accelerator 25.05 Accelerator at knee 25.06 Servo accelerator (electronic, pneumatic, etc.) 25.07 Accelerator pedal on the left of brake pedal 25.08 Accelerator pedal on the left 25.09 Partitioning in front of/fold away/detached accelerator pedal
30. Modified combined braking and accelerator systems -
30.01 Parallel pedals 30.02 Pedals at (or almost at) the same level 30.03 Accelerator and brake with sliding 30.04 Accelerator and brake with sliding and orthesis 30.05 Fold away/detached accelerator and brake pedals 30.06 Raised floor 30.07 Partitioning on the side of the brake pedal 30.08 Partitioning for prosthesis on the side of the brake pedal 30.09 Partitioning in front of the accelerator and brake pedals 30.10 Heel/leg support 30.11 Electrically operated accelerator and brake
35. Modified control layouts (Lights switches, windscreen wiper/washer, horn, direction indicators, etc.) -
35.01 Control devices operable without negative influence on the steering and handling 35.02 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) 35.03 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) with the left hand 35.04 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) with the right hand 35.05 Control devices operable without releasing the steering wheel and accessories (knob, fork, etc.) and the combined accelerator and braking mechanismss
40. Modified steering -
40.01 Standard assisted steering 40.02 Reinforced assisted steering 40.03 Steering with backup system 40.04 Lengthened steering column 40.05 Adjusted steering wheel (Larger and/or thicker steering wheel section, reduced diameter steering wheel, etc.) 40.06 Tilted steering wheel 40.07 Vertical steering wheel 40.08 Horizontal steering wheel 40.09 Foot operated driving 40.10 Alternative adjusted steering (joy-stick, etc.) 40.11 Knob on the steering wheel 40.12 Hand orthesis on the steering wheel 40.13 With orthesis tenodese
42. Modified rearview mirror(s) -
42.01 External (left or) right-side rear-view mirror 42.02 External rear-view mirror set on the wing 42.03 Additional inside rear-view mirror permitting view of traffic 42.04 Panoramic inside rear-view mirror 42.05 Blind spot rear-view mirror 42.06 Electrically operated outside rear-view mirror(s)
43. Modified driver seat -
43.01 Driver seat at a good viewing height and in normal distance from the steering wheel and the pedal 43.02 Driver seat adjusted to body shape 43.03 Driver seat with lateral support for good sitting stability 43.04 Driver seat with armrest 43.05 Lengthening of sliding driver's seat 43.06 Seat-belt adjustment 43.07 Harness-type seat-belt
44. Modifications to motorcycles (subcode use obligatory) -
44.01 Single operated brake 44.02 (Adjusted) hand operated brake (front wheel) 44.03 (Adjusted) foot operated brake (back wheel) 44.04 (Adjusted) accelerator handle 44.05 (Adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch 44.06 (Adjusted) rear-view mirror(s) 44.07 (Adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, …) 44.08 Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on the road at the same time
45. Motorcycle with side-car only 50. Restricted to a specific vehicle/chassis number (vehicle identification number, VIN) 51. Restricted to a specific vehicle/registration plate (vehicle registration number, VRN) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 70. Exchange of licence No … issued by … (EU/UN distinguishing sign in the case of a third country; e.g: 70.0123456789.NL) 71. Duplicate of licence No … (EU/UN distinguishing sign in the case of a third country; e.g: 71.987654321.HR) 72. Restricted to category A vehicles having a maximum cylinder capacity of 125 cc and maximum power of 11 KW (A1) 73. Restricted to category B vehicles of the motor tricycle or quadricycle type (B1) 74. Restricted to category C vehicles the maximum authorised mass of which does not exceed 7500 kg (C1)75. Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16 seats, excluding the driver's seat (D1) 76. Restricted to category C vehicles the maximum authorised mass of which does not exceed 7500 kg (C1), attached to a trailer the maximum authorised mass of which exceeds 750 kg, provided that the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle train thus formed does not exceed12000 kg, and that the maximum authorised mass of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle (C1E)77. Restricted to category D vehicles with not more than 16 passenger seats, excluding the driver's seat (D1), attached to a trailer the maximum authorised mass of which exceeds 750 kg provided that (a) the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle train thus formed does not exceed 12000 kg and the maximum authorised mass of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the drawing vehicle and (b) the trailer is not used to carry passengers (D1E)78. Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission 79. (…) Restricted to vehicles which comply with the specifications indicated in brackets, in the context of the application of Article 10(1) of Directive 91/439/EEC 90.01 to the left 90.02 to the right 90.03 left 90.04 right 90.05 hand 90.06 foot 90.07 usable 95. Driver holding CPC meeting the obligation of professional aptitude provided for by Directive 2003/59/EC until … [e.g.: 95( 01.01.12 )]96. Driver having completed training or having passed a test of skills and behaviour in accordance with the provisions of Annex V. -
codes 100 and above: national codes valid only for driving in the territory of the Member State which issued the licence. Where a code applies to all categories for which the licence is issued, it may be printed under headings 9, 10 and 11; -
13. in implementation of section 4(a) of this Annex, a space reserved for the possible entry by the host Member State of information essential for administering the licence; 14. a space reserved for the possible entry by the Member State which issues the licence of information essential for administering the licence or related to road safety (optional). If the information relates to one of the headings defined in this Annex, it should be preceded by the number of the heading in question. With the specific written agreement of the holder, information which is not related to the administration of the driving licence or road safety may also be added in this space; such addition shall not alter in any way the use of the model as a driving licence;
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(b) an explanation of the following numbered items which appear on pages 1 and 2 of the licence: 1, 2, 3, 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 5, 10, 11 and 12; If a Member State wishes to make the entries in a national language other than one of the following languages: Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish or Swedish, it shall draw up a bilingual version of the licence using one of the aforementioned languages, without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex; (c) a space shall be reserved on the European Union model driving licence to allow for the possible introduction of a microchip or similar computer device.
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(a) Where the holder of a driving licence issued by a Member State in accordance with this Annex has his normal place of residence in another Member State, that Member State may enter in the licence such information as is essential for administering it, provided that it also enters this type of information in the licences which it issues and provided that there remains enough space for the purpose. (b) After consulting the Commission, Member States may add colours or markings, such as bar codes and national symbols, without prejudice to the other provisions of this Annex. In the context of mutual recognition of licences, the bar code may not contain information other than what can already be read on the driving licence or which is essential to the process of issuing the licence. (c) Information contained in the front and reverse side of the card shall be legible with the eye, using a minimum character height of 5 points for items 9 to 12 on the reverse side.
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a theory test, and then a test of skills and behaviour.
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2.1.1. Road traffic regulations: -
in particular as regards road signs, markings and signals, rights of way and speed limits;
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2.1.2. 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;
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2.1.3. 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;
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2.1.4. 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;
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2.1.5. 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;
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2.1.6. Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle; 2.1.7. 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; 2.1.8. Vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head restraints and child safety equipment; 2.1.9. Rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appropriate use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation of pollutant emissions, etc.).
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3.1.1. Use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet; 3.1.2. Visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users; 3.1.3. 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; 3.1.4. 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.
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4.1.1. 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 ; use of the recording equipment as defined by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 ofOJ 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 ).20 December 1985 on recording equipment in road transport ,OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 8 . Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. 4.1.2. Rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers; 4.1.3. Vehicle and transport documents required for the national and international carriage of goods and passengers; 4.1.4. 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; 4.1.5. The precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of wheels; 4.1.6. Rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters; 4.1.7. Obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their vehicles; 4.1.8. Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional); 4.1.9. 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); 4.1.10. 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).
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4.2.1. 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.); 4.2.2. Lubrication and antifreeze protection; 4.2.3. The principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of tyres; 4.2.4. 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; 4.2.5. The principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems (categories CE, DE only); 4.2.6. Methods of locating causes of breakdowns; 4.2.7. Preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs; 4.2.8. The driver's responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, CE only).
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6.1.1. Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet; 6.1.2. 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.
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6.3.1. Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway; 6.3.2. Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces; 6.3.3. Riding round bends; 6.3.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions; 6.3.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes; 6.3.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane; 6.3.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate); 6.3.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; 6.3.9. Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.
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7.1.1. Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position; 7.1.2. Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available; 7.1.3. Checking that the doors are closed; 7.1.4. 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; 7.1.5. Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body, sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load (category BE only); 7.1.6. Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (category BE only).
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7.2.1. Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane; 7.2.2. Turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears; 7.2.3. Parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or downhill); 7.2.4. Braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency stop is optional.
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7.4.1. Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway; 7.4.2. Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces; 7.4.3. Driving round bends; 7.4.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions; 7.4.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes; 7.4.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane; 7.4.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate); 7.4.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes; 7.4.9. Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
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8.1.1. Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position; 8.1.2. Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available; 8.1.3. Random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device; 8.1.4. 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; 8.1.5. Checking the air pressure, air tanks and the suspension; 8.1.6. 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); 8.1.7. Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (categories CE, C1E, DE, D1E only); 8.1.8. 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); 8.1.9. Reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic navigation systems (optional).
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8.3.1. Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway; 8.3.2. Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces; 8.3.3. Driving round bends; 8.3.4. Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions; 8.3.5. Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes; 8.3.6. Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane; 8.3.7. Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate); 8.3.8. Special road features (if available): roundabouts; railway level crossings; tram/bus stops; pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes; 8.3.9. Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.
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9.3.1. 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); 9.3.2. 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); 9.3.3. Observation: all-round observation; proper use of mirrors; far, middle, near distance vision; 9.3.4. Priority/giving way: priority at crossroads, intersections and junctions; giving way at other occasions (e.g. changing direction, changing lanes, special manoeuvres); 9.3.5. 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; 9.3.6. Keeping distance: keeping adequate distance to the front and the side; keeping adequate distance from other road users; 9.3.7. 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; 9.3.8. 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; 9.3.9. 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; 9.3.10. 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).
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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.
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1.1. Group 1: drivers of vehicles of categories A, A1, A2, AM, B, B1 and BE. 1.2. Group 2: drivers of vehicles of categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E. 1.3. National legislation may provide for the provisions set out in this Annex for Group 2 drivers to apply to drivers of Category B vehicles using their driving licence for professional purposes (taxis, ambulances, etc.).
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no severe hypoglycaemic events have occurred in the previous 12 months, the driver has full hypoglycaemic awareness, the driver must show adequate control of the condition by regular blood glucose monitoring, at least twice daily and at times relevant to driving, the driver must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of hypoglycaemia, there are no other debarring complications of diabetes.
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severe mental disturbance, whether congenital or due to disease, trauma or neurosurgical operations, severe mental retardation, severe behavioural problems due to ageing; or personality defects leading to seriously impaired judgment, behaviour or adaptability,
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theory of driving behaviour, hazard perception and accident avoidance, the syllabus underpinning driving test standards, the requirements of the driving test, relevant road and traffic legislation, including relevant EU and national legislation and interpretative guidelines, assessment theory and techniques, defensive driving.
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ability to observe accurately, monitor, and evaluate overall candidate performance, in particular: -
correct and comprehensive recognition of dangerous situations, accurate determination of cause and likely effect of such situations, achievement of competence and recognition of errors, uniformity and consistency in assessment,
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assimilate information quickly and extract key points, look ahead, identify potential problems, and develop strategies to deal with them, provide timely and constructive feedback.
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A person authorised to conduct a practical test for a category of driving licence must be able to drive to a consistently high standard that type of motor vehicle.
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establish and communicate what the candidate can expect during the test, communicate clearly, choosing content, style and language to suit the audience and context and deal with enquiries from candidates, provide clear feedback about the test result, treat candidates with respect and indiscriminately.
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knowledge about vehicle technique such as steering, tyres, brakes, lights, specially for motorcycles and heavy vehicles, loading safety, knowledge about vehicle physics such as speed, friction, dynamics, energy.
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(a) must have held a category B licence for at least 3 years; (b) must be at least 23 years old; (c) must have successfully completed the initial qualification provided for in point 3 of this Annex and subsequently followed the quality assurance and the periodic training arrangements as provided for in point 4 of this Annex; (d) must have terminated a vocational education that leads at least to a completion of level 3 as defined by Council Decision 85/368/EEC of 16 July 1985 on the comparability of vocational training qualifications between the Member States of the European Community ;OJ L 199, 31.7.1985, p. 56 .(e) may not be active as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school simultaneously.
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(a) must hold a driving licence in the category concerned or possess equivalent knowledge through adequate professional qualification; (b) must have successfully completed the initial qualification provided for in point 3 of this Annex and subsequently followed the quality assurance and the periodic training arrangements as provided for in point 4 of this Annex; (c) must have been a qualified category B driving examiner for at least 3 years; this period may be waived provided that the examiner in question can provide evidence of: -
at least 5 years of driving in the category concerned, or, a theoretical and practical assessment of driving ability of a standard higher than that needed to obtain a driving licence thus making that requirement unnecessary,
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(d) must have completed a vocational education that leads at least to a termination of the level 3 as defined by Decision 85/368/EEC; (e) may not be active as a commercial driving instructor in a driving school simultaneously.
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a minimum regular periodic training of four days in total per period of two years in order to: maintain and refresh the necessary knowledge and examining skills, to develop new competences that have become essential for the exercise of their profession, ensure that an examiner continues to conduct tests to a fair and uniform standard, a minimum periodic training of at least five days in total per period of five years, in order to develop and maintain the necessary practical driving skills.
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approve and supervise the training provided for in Article 7(1)(d) or, organise the test of skills and behaviour provided for in Article 7(1)(d).
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at least 7 hours.
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vehicle movement dynamics, safety criteria, tractor vehicle and trailer (coupling mechanism), correct loading and safety fittings;
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Each training participant has to perform the practical component and shall demonstrate its skills and behaviour on public roads, Vehicle combinations used for the training shall fall within the category of driving licence participants have applied for.
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approve and supervise the training provided for in Article 7(1)(c) or, organise the test of skills and behaviour provided for in Article 7(1)(c).
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at least 7 hours.
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The driver training shall contain all aspects covered in point 6 of Annex II. Each participant has to perform the practical components of the training and shall demonstrate its skills and behaviour on public roads. Motorcycles used for the training shall fall within the category of driving licence participants have applied for.
Council Directive 91/439/EEC |
( |
Council Directive 94/72/EC | ( |
Council Directive 96/47/EC | ( |
Council Directive 97/26/EC | ( |
Commission Directive 2000/56/EC | ( |
Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, only Article 10, paragraph 2 | ( |
Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council, only Annex II, point 24 | ( |
Directive | Deadline for transposition | Date of application |
---|---|---|
Directive 91/439/EEC | ||
Directive 94/72/EC | - | |
Decision 96/427/EC | - | |
Directive 96/47/EC | ||
Directive 97/26/EC | ||
Directive 2000/56/EC | ||
Directive 2003/59/EC |
Directive 91/439/EEC | This Directive |
---|---|
Article 1(1), first sentence | Article 1(1) first sentence |
Article 1(1), second sentence | — |
- | Article 1(2) |
Article 1(2) | Article 2(1) |
- | Article 2(2) |
Article 1(3) | - |
Article 2(1) | Article 1(1), second sentence |
Article 2(2) | Article 3(1) |
Article 3(2) | |
Article 3(3) | |
Article 2(3) | - |
Article 2(4) | - |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, introductory words | Article 4(1), first sentence |
- | Article 4(2), first indent |
- | Article 4(2), second indent |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, first indent | Article 4(3), first indent |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, second indent | Article 4(4)(b), first subparagraph |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, third indent | Article 4(4)(b), second subparagraph |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, fourth indent | Article 4(4)(c) |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, fifth indent | Article 4(4)(f) |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, sixth indent | Article 4(4)(g) |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, seventh indent | Article 4(4)(j) |
Article 3(1), first subparagraph, eighth indent | Article 4(4)(k) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, introductory words | - |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, first indent | Article 4(3)(a) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, second indent | Article 4(4)(a) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, third indent | Article 4(4)(d) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, fourth indent | Article 4(4)(e) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, fifth indent | Article 4(4)(h) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, sixth indent, introductory words | Article 4(4)(i) |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, sixth indent, first sub-indent | - |
Article 3(2), first subparagraph, sixth indent, second sub-indent | - |
Article 3(3), introductory words | - |
Article 3(3), first indent | Article 4(1), third sentence |
Article 3(3), second indent, first subparagraph | Article 4(3), second indent |
Article 3(3), second indent, second subparagraph | - |
Article 3(3), third indent | Article 4(3), first indent |
Article 3(3), fourth indent | Article 4(4), first indent |
Article 3(3), fifth indent | Article 4(4), second indent |
- | Article 4(3) |
Article 3(4) | - |
Article 3(5) | - |
Article 3(6) | Article 4(5), first sentence |
- | Article 4(5), second sentence |
Article 4 | Article 5 |
Article 5(1) | Article 6(1) |
Article 5(1)(a) | Article 6(1)(a) |
Article 5(1)(b) | Article 6(1)(b) |
Article 5(2), introductory words | Article 6(2), introductory words |
Article 5(2)(a) | Article 6(2)(a) |
Article 5(2)(b) | Article 6(2)(b) |
- | Article 6(2)(c) |
- | Article 6(2)(d) |
- | Article 6(2)(e) |
- | Article 6(2)(f) |
Article 5(3) | - |
Article 5(4) | Article 6(4) |
Article 6(1), introductory words | Article 4(1), second sentence |
Article 6(1)(a), first indent | Article 4(3)(a), third indent |
Article 6(1)(a), second indent | Article 4(4)(a), second indent |
Article 6(1)(b), first indent | Article 4(3)(b), second indent |
Article 4(3)(c), second indent | |
Article 6(1)(b), second indent first alternative | Article 4(4)(b), fifth subparagraph |
Article 6(1)(b), second indent second alternative | Article 4(4)(c), second indent |
Article 6(1)(b), third indent first and second alternative | Article 4(4)(g), second indent |
Article 6(1)(b), third indent third and fourth alternative | Article 4(4)(e), third indent |
Article 6(1)(c), first indent first and second alternative | Article 4(4)(k), second indent |
Article 6(1)(c), first indent third and fourth alternative | Article 4(4)(i), second indent |
Article 6(2) | Article 4(6), first subparagraph |
- | Article 4(6), second subparagraph |
Article 6(3) | Article 4(6), third and fourth subparagraphs |
Article 7(1), introductory words | Article 7(1), introductory words |
Article 7(1)(a) | Article 7(1)(a) |
- | Article 7(1)(b) |
- | Article 7(1)(c) |
- | Article 7(1)(d) |
Article 7(1)(b) | Article 7(1)(e) |
Article 7(2) | - |
Article 7(3) | - |
- | Article 7(2) |
- | Article 7(3) |
Article 7(4) | Article 7(4) |
Article 7(5) | Article 7(5)(a) |
- | Article 7(5)(b) |
- | Article 7(5)(c) |
- | Article 7(5)(d) |
Article 7 a(1) | - |
Article 7 a(2) | Article 8 |
Article 7 b | Article 9 |
- | Article 10 |
Article 8 | Article 11 |
Article 9 | Article 12 |
Article 10 | Article 13(1) |
- | Article 13(2) |
Article 11 | Article 14 |
Article 12(1) | - |
Article 12(2) | - |
Article 12(3) | Article 15 |
- | Article 16 |
Article 13 | Article 17, first subparagraph |
- | Article 17, second subparagraph |
- | Article 18 |
Article 14 | Article 19 |
Annex I | - |
Annex Ia | Annex I |
Annex II | Annex II |
Annex III | Annex III |
- | Annex IV |
- | Annex V |
- | Annex VI |