On 12 April 2018, the Council of the European Union adopted revised rulesaimed at modernising training requirements for professional lorry and bus drivers and improving recognition of obligatory training received in another EU country, at the same time promoting safe and environmentally friendly driving.

Ivaylo Moskovski, Bulgarian Minister for Transport, Information Technology and Communications, said: “This revision addresses a number of practical shortcomings in the current legislation, such as difficulties drivers have in getting their qualifications recognised if they were issued in another EU country. It also strengthens certain important aspects of training including hazard perception, the protection of vulnerable road users and fuel-efficient driving”.

The new rules amend the existing directive on the initial qualification and periodic training of professional drivers holding a C or D licence, as well as the directive on driving licence. Moreover, they clarify minimum age conditions and exemptions from requirements to follow additional training.

The vote of the Council has concluded the legislative procedure at first reading. The new directive will be signed by the Council and the European Parliament and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States will have two years to transpose the most provisions of the directive into their own legislation.

Sara Capruzzi