Drivers Across Europe To Face Same Tests

[manxchatterbox]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,26...2106713,00.html

 

will the IOM opt in to this or will the IOM have to take part?

 

what will be the effect on bikers?

[Lonan3]

For anyone who can't be bothered reading the article, the most relevant points are points are probably:

 

The licence raises from 21 to 24 the age at which people can pass a test to drive the most powerful motorcycles. It introduces strict age limits for less powerful bikes and a test each time a rider moves up the scale, requiring up to three tests.

 

Under the rules, which must be introduced within six years, bus and lorry drivers under the age of 45 must renew their licence and declare that their health is good every five years rather than every ten.

 

Motorists banned from driving in the UK will no longer be able to apply for a licence anywhere else in Europe under the first fully harmonised EU driving licence

 

The UK was the only country that objected to the agreement.

 

Stephen Ladyman, the Transport Minister, said that the new motorcycle rules were “unnecessary, overly rigid and won’t add anything to road safety, which is why we objected.

“These changes won’t give us any benefits over existing arrangements,” he said. “People will find their access to motorbikes will be much more restricted and the motorbike industry will suffer. It’s negative, but we have no choice but to make the best of it.”