European Commission proposes updating driver training for truck and bus drivers

The European Commission is proposing to update and clarify the rules on the initial qualification and periodic training of truck and bus drivers.

The objective of this proposal, according to the Commission, is to contribute to higher road safety standards and to facilitate the mobility of professional drivers. The main elements of the proposal include the modernisation of the training, highlighting for example the protection of vulnerable road users and the optimisation of fuel consumption, as well as better recognition of training undergone in another Member State.

Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “A fresh push is needed if Europe’s strategic objective of halving the number of road deaths by 2020 is to be reached. Better education and training have a positive impact on road safety, which is why we are today proposing to improve the training of professional drivers.”

The proposal will now be examined by the European Parliament and the 28 EU Member States in accordance with the EU ordinary legislative procedure.