Anticipation surrounding the new General Drivers’ Regulations continues, as for now they are not expected to come into force on 1 July, as had been announced.
It seems that, for now, the implementation of the long-awaited 2019 general drivers’ regulations will have to be delayed a little. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) proposed a series of changes that were basically going to focus on more demanding driver training. The idea was for these rules to come into force on 1 July; however, since the reform must be approved by the new Government, which has not yet been formed, there is an impasse. Let us remember that the draft of Royal Decree 818/2009 proposed by the DGT provided for changes both in road safety education and in the theory and practical tests that everyone must pass to obtain a driving licence.
Faced with understandable anticipation, the Directorate-General for Traffic itself has had to step in to clarify that, for the moment, the reform has not been approved and there is therefore no date for its entry into force. It announced this on its social media on 10 May, repeating the message ten days later, following reports in the media: “in July there will be no change affecting how to obtain a driving licence, so it is not going to be more difficult or more expensive to get a licence to drive, as has been published in some media”.
What’s new in the Royal Decree for the B licence
The reform will nevertheless continue on its course once the new Executive resulting from the general election approves the measures. But what changes could be introduced to the B driving licence?
- Before taking the theory test, eight hours of theory classes certified by the driving school will be required.
- The content of the compulsory syllabus will be extended, introducing issues such as the use of safety systems, the danger of distractions at the wheel, road accident victims, and awareness of the most vulnerable groups on the road (cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists).
- The theory test will be made tougher: the number of mistakes allowed will fall from 20% to 10%.
- If you fail, the waiting period before retaking the practical test will be extended: 15 days between the first and second attempts, 30 days between the second and third, and 20 days from the third attempt onwards. If you fail the practical test, you will have to take at least five practical lessons before the new test.
- With two years’ experience, B licence holders will be able to drive vehicles intended for the transport of goods with a mass of between 3,500 and 4,250 kilos.