Reform of the Driving Licence Directive: TIV demands technology-neutral implementation in Germany

On 4 June, Michael Jursch, President of the Trailer Industry Association (TIV), met up with the German Federal Minister for Transport, Patrick Schnieder (CDU). At this meeting, Michael Jursch was able to present the TIV's position on driving licence reform to the Minister. The meeting took place during a gathering of the BVMW Alliance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises at the BVMW Federal Headquarters.

The Driving Licence Directive already adopted by the European Parliament provides for an increase in the permissible maximum mass for Category B driving licences to 4,250 kg. Despite interventions by the TIV, this provision is limited to self-propelled motor caravans and battery-electric vehicles. From the TIV's point of view, this is incomprehensible and puts drivers of conventionally powered passenger cars at a disadvantage. The resulting special regulations also create a degree of uncertainty among customers and trailer users, which, incidentally, represent a sensible and often more environmentally friendly alternative to vans, for instance.

Michael Jursch made it clear that, in the interests of technological neutrality, freedom from ideology and the reduction of bureaucracy, the TIV expects Germany's implementation of the reform to extend the new provisions to all types of drive systems. Under such an approach, the Category B driving licence would apply to all types of drive systems and combinations involving trailers in Categories O1 and O2 up to a permissible maximum mass of 4,250 kg.

Federal Minister for Transport Patrick Schnieder subsequently stated that he would familiarise himself with the details, examine the concerns raised by the TIV and contact the TIV once more in the near future to this end.

With regard to the Driving Licence Directive, the TIV, together with the BVMW, numerous SME-oriented companies and a wide range of trade associations, has also developed a Memorandum of Understanding as part of its broader promotional activities. This memorandum will now be introduced into discussions with policymakers in connection with the draft legislation implementing the European Driving Licence Directive in Germany.

TIV is a member of the BVMW Mittelstandsallianz (Alliance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises).