As the truck driver shortage deepens across Europe, the European Commission is set to revise the EU Driving Licence Directive in a move that will address the chronic shortage of drivers in the goods transport sector.

The revision of the EU driving licence provides the possibility to remove one of the major barriers to young people joining the profession: the gap between the age they finish school and when they are allowed to become professional drivers.

Doing so also has the potential to facilitate the access of non EU drivers to the EU market, which would bring a needed enlargement to the EU driver pool.

The proposal clarifies beyond doubt that the minimum driving age for truck drivers is 18. This is a major positive step which has long been called for by the road transport industry.

The Commission also recommended allowing 17-year-olds to start training by accompanying experienced drivers and through apprenticeships.

The European Commission is also open to enlarging the pool of drivers by facilitating non EU drivers access to the profession in the EU.

The proposal opens a new avenue for the harmonisation of requirements on the recognition of driving licences from outside the EU.

EU Driving Directive

About the Author: John Loughran