EU to introduce common driving licences

EU transport ministers yesterday signalled the green light to the introduction of a common driving licence and common standards for the issue of licences throughout the EU member states.

The decision taken at a transport council meeting in Brussels is supported by Malta, which was represented by Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett.

It has to be cleared by the European Parliament before coming into force.

Malta's driving licence system is considered as one of the most advanced in the EU following a revamp of the system several years ago.

In fact, Malta's driving licence is already issued in a plastic card format and complies with the standard licence agreed by the EU. Only minor changes will need to be made and these will be done once the current licences expire.

The new rules also set minimum standards for driving examiners but there will not be common rules for driving tests.

The rules will facilitate the free movement of drivers between member states, curb fraud when driving licences are used for identification purposes and improve road safety, particularly where motorcycles are concerned.

The new licence will replace more than 110 models currently in circulation.

Following this agreement, the European Commission yesterday said the new system will clearly state who is entitled to drive what and will provide for the introduction of a licence for mopeds. Additionally, the system establishes the principle of progressive access to more powerful motorcycles.

Direct access to the latter category will only be possible at the age of 24 after a theoretical and practical test. People who want to ride the more powerful motorcycles before that age will need two years' experience on lighter machines.

Through this new legislation, member states will enhance cooperation to prevent drivers on a temporary ban from getting a fresh licence in another member state. An EU wide-network for data-exchange of driving licenses is to be set up.

The directive will allow member states to introduce a microchip on the new model. Whatever option they go for, member states must respect EU data protection rules.

The new rules foresee a 10-year validity period for licenses, which member states may raise to 15. Maltese driving licences are valid for up to ten years.