Following the European Commission’s announced revision of Driver Training Directive 2003/59, the IRU calls for compulsory professional driver training to create a level playing field and increase professionalism in the industry. The IRU stresses the need for harmonised minimum standards of knowledge and skills and urges governments to address industry-wide driver shortages and make the profession more attractive to younger people.
The IRU also highlights the need for flexible training schemes and methods that reflect the differing aspects of road transport operations and specificities best known by transporters. However, any future directive should not impose any further financial or administrative burdens on transport operators.