MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS (drivinglicences · sl_65.18) | MT

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Preamble — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 65.18

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

REGULATIONS

2nd January, 2004;

29th March, 2004

LEGAL NOTICE 191 of 2002, as amended by Legal Notices 14 of 2004,

25 and 408 of 2007, 105 of 2008 and 25 of 2009; Act XV of 2009; and

Legal Notices 89 and 426 of 2010, 172 of 2011, 97 and 426 of 2012, 149 of

2013, 14 of 2014, 234 of 2015, 56 of 2016, 331 of 2017 and 16 and 447 of

2018 and 183, 193 and 449 of 2020, 210 of 2021, 109 of 2023, 114 of 2024

and 298 of 2025.

P ART I

PRELIMINARY

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 1 Title. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The title of these regulations is Motor Vehicles (Driving

Licences) Regulations.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

First Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Amended by

L.N. 25 of 2007;

(Regulations 3, 4, 9, 70)

L.N. 172 of 2011;

L.N. 149 of 2013;

L.N. 234 of 2015;

L.N. 56 of 2016;

L.N. 183 of 2020;

L.N. 193 of 2020.

Categories of Vehicle for licensing purposes

Category

Age in years

C1, C1E

C, CE

D1, D1E

D, DE

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 3 Driving licence required. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) No person may drive on a road any of the vehicles

listed in the First Schedule unless such person is the holder of a

valid driving licence or a learner’s permit issued by the Authority

or a valid driving licence issued by any other competent authority

in another country.

(2) An application for a driving licence by a person who has his

normal residence in Malta shall be made to the Authority on the

prescribed form.

(3) A person whose normal residence is in Malta shall hold no

more than one driving licence issued to him by any Member State.

(4) The Authority shall not issue a driving licence to the holder

of a valid driving licence issued by the competent authority in

another Member State, unless that person surrenders to the

Authority the driving licence issued by that competent authority.

(5) The Authority shall not issue a driving licence to an

applicant whose driving licence is restricted, suspended, withdrawn

or cancelled in another Member State.

(6) The holder of a valid driving licence issued by the

competent authority of another Member State shall, when applying

to have his driving licence renewed by the Authority, surrender that

driving licence to the Authority, and once the Authority renews his

driving licence, the licence being so surrendered shall be returned

by the Authority to the issuing competent authority.

(7) The driving licence issued by the Authority shall conform

to the model set out in Annex I of the Directive.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Third Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

L.N. 25 of 2007.

(Regulation 26)

L.N. 25 of 2009;

L.N. 172 of 2011.

L.N. 149 of 2013;

L.N. 14 of 2014.

L.N. 234 of 2015;

L.N. 56 of 2016;

L.N. 449 of 2020.

Minimum technical requirements for vehicles used

in the tests of skills and behaviour

Minimum technical requirements

Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating not

exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/

kg, and capable of a speed of at least 90 km/h.

If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the

cylinder capacity of the engine shall be at least 115 cm 3 .

If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight

ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.08 kW/kg.

Motorcycle without sidecar, with a power rating of at least 20 kW but not

exceeding 35 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/

kg.

If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cubic

capacity of the engine shall be at least 250 cm 3

If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight

ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.15 kW/kg.

Until the 31st December, 2018, motorcycle without sidecar, whose

unladen mass is below 180 kg, and with a power rating of at least 40 kW

and below 50 kW.

As from the 1st January, 2019 motorcycle without sidecar, whose unladen

mass is more than 175 kg, with a power rating of at least 50 kW.

If the motorcycle is powered by an internal combustion engine, the cubic

capacity of the engine shall be at least 595 cm 3 .

If the motorcycle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight

ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.25 kW/kg.

A four-wheeled category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/

h.

A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle and a trailer with a

maximum authorised mass of at least 1,000 kg, capable of a speed of at

least 100 km/h, which does not fall within category B; the cargo

compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at

least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle; the closed box body may

also be slightly less wide than the motor vehicle provided that the view to

the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the

motor vehicle; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg

real total mass.

A motor-powered quadricycle capable of a speed of at least 60 km/h.

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

A category C vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 12,000

kg, a length of at least 8m, a width of at least 2.4 m and capable of a speed

of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a

transmission system providing for a manual selection of gears by the

driver and recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/

85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at

least as wide and as high as the cab; the vehicle shall be presented with a

minimum of 10,000 kg real total mass.

Either an articulated vehicle or a combination of a category C test vehicle

and a trailer of at least 7.5 m in length; both the articulated vehicle and the

combination shall have a maximum authorised mass of at least 20,000 kg,

a length of at least 14 m and a width of at least 2.4 m, shall be capable of a

speed of at least 80 km/h, fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a

transmission system providing for a manual selection of gears by the

driver and with recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No

3821/85; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which

is at least as wide and as high as the cab; both the articulated vehicle and

the combination shall be presented with a minimum of 15,000 kg real total

mass.

A category C1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4,000

kg, with a length of at least 5m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;

fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as

defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85; the cargo compartment shall

consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the

cab.

A combination made up of a category C1 test vehicle and a trailer with a

maximum authorised mass of at least 1,250 kg; this combination shall be

at least 8m in length and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo

compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at

least as wide and as high as the cab; the closed box body may also be

slightly less wide than the cab provided that the view to the rear is only

possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle; the

trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass.

A category D vehicle with a length of at least 10m, a width of at least

2.40m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock

brakes and equipped with recording equipment as defined by Regulation

(EEC) No 3821/85.

A combination made up of a category D test vehicle and a trailer with a

maximum authorised mass of at least 1,250 kg, a width of at least 2.40m

and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the

trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2m wide and 2m

high; the trailer shall be presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total

mass.

A category D1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4,000

kg, with a length of at least 5m and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h;

fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment as

defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85.

A combination made up of a category D1 test vehicle and a trailer with a

maximum authorised mass of at least 1,250 kg and capable of a speed of at

least 80 km/h; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a

closed box body which is at least 2m wide and 2m high; the trailer shall be

presented with a minimum of 800 kg real total mass.

Agricultural tractor as defined in regulation 2, and which is in a

roadworthy condition, that is having clean lights, windows and mirrors.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 4 Minimum ages for driving licences. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The age set out in the Second Schedule relative to a

category is the age below which a person shall not be granted a

driving licence or a probationary driving licence by the Authority

in respect of vehicles of that category.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Fourth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(Regulation 17)

Section A

The Theory Test

The Driving Examiner shall make sure that the applicant has the required

knowledge of the subjects listed.

Any applicant for a licence in one category who already holds a licence in a

different category will be exempted from the common provisions of this Schedule.

Content of the test concerning all vehicle categories

Questions will be asked on each of the points listed below

(a) Road traffic regulations

in particular as regards road signs, marking and signals, rights of

way and speed limits.

(b) The driver

(i) importance of alertness and of attitude to other road users;

(ii) perception, judgement and decision-taking, especially reaction

time, as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence

of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and

fatigue.

(c) The road

(i)

the most important principles concerning the observance of a safe

distance between vehicles, braking distances and road holding

under various weather and road conditions;

(ii) driving risk factors related to various road conditions, in

particular as they change with the weather and the time of day or

night;

(iii) characteristics of various types of road and the related statutory

requirements;

(iv) safe driving in road tunnels.

(d) Other road users

(i)

specific risk factors related to the lack of experience of other road

users and the most vulnerable categories of users such as

children, pedestrians, cyclists and people whose mobility is

reduced;

(ii) risks involved in the movement and driving of various types of

vehicles and of the different fields of view of their drivers.

(e) General rules and regulations and other matters

(i)

rules concerning the administrative documents required for the

use of vehicles;

(ii) general rules specifying how the driver must behave in the event

of an accident (setting warning device and raising the alarm) and

the measures which he can take to assist road accident victims

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

where necessary;

(iii) safety factors relating to the vehicle, the load and persons carried.

(f)

Precautions necessary when alighting from the vehicle

(g) Mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety; applicants must be

able to detect the most common faults, in particular in the steering,

suspension and braking systems, tyres, lights and direction indicators,

reflectors, rear-view mirrors, windscreen and wipers, the exhaust

system, seat-belts and the audible warning device

(h) Vehicle safety equipment and, in particular, the use of seat-belts, head

restraints and child safety equipment

(i)

Rules regarding vehicle use in relation to the environment (appropriate

use of audible warning devices, moderate fuel consumption, limitation

of pollutant emissions, etc.).

S ECTION B

Specific provisions concerning categories A, A2 and A1

1. Compulsory check of general knowledge on

(a) use of protective outfit such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet;

(b) visibility of motorcycle riders for other road users;

(c) risk factors related to various road conditions as laid down above with

additional attention to slippery parts such as drain covers, road

markings such as lines and arrows, tram rails;

(d) mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety as laid down above

with additional attention to the emergency stop switch, the oil levels and

the chain.

Specific provisions concerning categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 and D1E

2. Compulsory check of general knowledge on

(a) rules on driving hours and rest periods as defined by Regulation (EC) No

561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March, 2006

on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport;

use of the recording equipment as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/

85 on recording equipment in road transport;

(b) rules concerning the type of transport concerned: goods or passengers;

(c) vehicle and transport documents required for the national and

international carriage of goods and passengers;

(d) how to behave in the event of an accident; knowledge of measures to be

taken after an accident or similar occurrence, including emergency

action such as evacuation of passengers and basic knowledge of first

aid;

(e) the precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of

wheels;

(f)

rules on vehicle weights and dimensions; rules on speed limiters;

(g) obstruction of the field of view caused by the characteristics of their

vehicles;

(h) reading a road map, route planning, including the use of electronic

navigation systems (optional);

(i)

safety factors relating to vehicle loading: controlling the load (stowing

and fastening), difficulties with different kinds of load (e.g. liquids,

hanging loads) loading and unloading goods and the use of loading

equipment (categories C, CE, C1, C1E only);

(j)

the driver’s responsibility with respect to the carriage of passengers;

comfort and safety of passengers; transport of children; necessary

checks before driving away; all sorts of buses should be part of the

theory test (public service buses and coaches, buses with special

dimensions,) (categories D, DE, D1, D1E only); and

(k) applicants for a licence for a category C1 or C1E vehicles outside the scope

of Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 shall be exempt from demonstrating their

knowledge of the subjects listed in paragraphs (a) and (c).

3. Compulsory check of general knowledge on the following additional

provisions concerning categories C, CE, D and DE

(a) the principles of the construction and functioning of: internal

combustion engines, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), the

fuel system, the electrical system, the ignition system, the transmission

system (clutch, gearbox, etc.);

(b) lubrication and antifreeze protection;

(c) the principles of the construction, the fitting, correct use and care of

tyres;

(d) the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and

day-to-day maintenance of brake fittings and speed governors, and use

of anti-lock brakes;

(e) the principles of the types, operation, main parts, connection, use and

day-to-day maintenance of coupling systems (categories CE, DE only);

(f)

methods of locating causes of breakdowns;

(g) preventive maintenance of vehicles and necessary running repairs;

(h) the driver’s responsibility in respect of the receipt, carriage and delivery

of goods in accordance with the agreed conditions (categories C, CE

only).

Specific provisions concerning category g

4. Compulsory check of general knowledge on

(a) mechanical aspects with a bearing on road safety, including checks on

tyres, brakes, oil levels and lights; and

(b) the precautions to be taken during the removal and replacement of

wheels.

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 5 Validity of driving licences issued by competent authorities in third countries. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The holder of a driving licence issued by the competent

authority in a third country may drive in Malta, for a period not

exceeding twelve months from the date of his last entry into Malta, any

class or description of vehicle covered by the driving licence issued to

him by the competent authority in that third country

Provided that a person holding a driving licence issued by the

competent authority of a third country may not drive a vehicle in

licence categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE or f unless that

person is also in possession of a certificate of professional competence

issued in accordance with regulation 29 or unless that person is an

exempt driver in accordance with regulation 28.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Fifth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Amended by

L.N. 25 of 2009;

(Regulation 24)

L.N. 171 of 2011;

L.N. 14 of 2014;

L.N. 234 of 2015;

L.N. 56 of 2016;

L.N. 449 of 2020.

Test of Skills and Behaviour

1. Vehicle transmission

(a) The driving of a vehicle with manual transmission shall be subject to the

passing of a skills and behaviour test taken on a vehicle with manual

transmission.

"Vehicle with manual transmission" means a vehicle in which a clutch

pedal (or lever operated manually for categories A, A2 and A1) is

present and must be operated by the driver when starting or stopping

the vehicle and changing gears.

(b) Vehicles that do not meet the criteria laid down in paragraph (a) shall

be considered to have automatic transmission.

Without prejudice to paragraph (c), if an applicant takes the test of skills and

behaviour on a vehicle with automatic transmission this shall be

recorded on any licence issued on the basis of such a test. Licences with

this indication shall be used only for driving vehicles with automatic

transmission

Provided that no restriction shall be recorded on the driving licence of an

applicant who takes the test of skills and behaviour on a vehicle with

automatic transmission for a category BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or

D1E vehicle when the applicant already holds a driving licence obtained on

a vehicle with manual transmission in at least one of the following

categories: B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, and has performed

the actions which are applicable to all vehicles irrespective of its mode of

transmission during the test of skills and behaviour.

(c) The vehicles used in tests of skills and behaviour shall comply with the

minimum criteria laid down in the Third Schedule.

2. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A1, A2 and A

(a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road

safety.

Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to ride

safely by satisfying the following requirements

(i)

Adjust the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and

safety helmet;

(ii) Perform a random check on the condition of the tyres, brakes,

steering, emergency stop switch (if applicable), chain, oil levels,

lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device.

(b) Special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road safety

(i)

Putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without

the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle;

(ii) Parking the motorcycle on its stand;

(iii) At least two manoeuvres to be executed at slow speed, including a

slalom; this should allow competence to be assessed in handling

of the clutch in combination with the brake, balance, vision

direction and position on the motorcycle and the position of the

feet on the foot rests;

(iv)

At least two manoeuvres to be executed at higher speed, of which

one manoeuvre in second or third gear, at least at 30 km/h and one

manoeuvre avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h;

this should allow competence to be assessed in the position on the

motorcycle, vision direction, balance, steering technique and

technique of changing gears;

(v)

Braking: at least two braking exercises shall be executed,

including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h;

this should allow competence to be assessed in handling of the

front and rear brake, vision direction and the position on the

motorcycle.

(c) Behaviour in traffic

(i)

Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a

driveway;

(ii) Riding on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in

confined spaces;

(iii) Riding round bends;

(iv) Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and

junctions;

(v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;

(vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining

from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;

(vii)

Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding

alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other

traffic (if appropriate);

(viii) Special road features (if available): roundabouts; bus stops;

pedestrian crossings; riding up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnel;

(ix) Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.

3. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories B, B1, BE and,

where applicable, category g

(a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road

safety

Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive

safely by satisfying the following requirements

(i) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;

(ii) Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if

available;

(iii) Checking that the doors are closed;

(iv) Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres, steering,

brakes, fluids (e.g engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights,

reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;

(v) Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body,

sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load

(category BE only);

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

(vi)

Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical

connections (category BE only).

(b) Categories B, B1 and g: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing

on road safety

A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (at least two

manoeuvres for the four points, including one in reverse gear).

(i)

Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a

corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane;

(ii) Turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and

reverse gears;

(iii) Parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel, oblique

or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or

downhill);

(iv) Braking accurately to a stop; however, performing an emergency

stop is optional.

(c) Category BE: special manoeuvres to be tested with a bearing on road

safety

(i)

Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer

from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing

vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line);

(ii) Reversing along a curve, the line of which shall be left to the

discretion of the Authority;

(iii) Parking safely for loading/unloading.

(d) Behaviour in traffic

Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic

situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions

(i)

Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic, exiting a

driveway;

(ii) Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including

in confined spaces;

(iii) Driving round bends;

(iv) Crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and

junctions;

(v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;

(vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining

from the acceleration lane; leaving on the deceleration lane;

(vii)

Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving

alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other

traffic (if appropriate);

(viii) Special road features (if available): roundabouts; bus stops;

pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes; tunnel;

(ix) Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

4. Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D,

DE, D1 and D1E

(a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road

safety

Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive

safely by satisfying the following requirements

(i) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position;

(ii) Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if

available;

(iii) Random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes,

lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device;

(iv) Checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems;

checking the condition of the wheels, wheelnuts, mudguards,

windscreen, windows and wipers, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant,

washer fluid); checking and using the instrument panel including

the recording equipment as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 3821/

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 6 Recognition of driving licences issued by Member States. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Driving licences issued by the competent authorities in other

Member States shall be recognised in Malta.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Sixth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Amended by

L.N. 25 of 2007;

(Regulation 40)

L.N.331 of 2017;

L.N. 109 of

2023. L.N. 114 of

2024. Driving offences codes

Offences

Penalty

Points

Accident Offences

Failing to stop after an accident

5-10

Construction and Use of Vehicle

Using a vehicle with defective brakes

Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s)

Using a vehicle with defective steering

Causing or likely to cause a danger by reason of load or passengers

Reckless/Dangerous Driving

Reckless, negligent or dangerous driving

3-11

Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle

3-12

Causing death by dangerous driving

3-12

Drink or Drugs

Driving or attempting to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle

3-11

with alcohol level above the limit

Driving or attempting to drive then failing to provide a specimen for

3-11

analysis

Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs

3-11

Insurance Offences

Using vehicle uninsured against third party risks

Licence Offences

Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence

Driving while disqualified by order of court

Non-renewal of vehicle road licence

Non-renewal of driving licence

Miscellaneous Offences

Emission of loud electronic sound from vehicle

Holding and, or making use of a hand-held mobile device whilst

stationary in traffic and, or driving any motor vehicle in categories M1,

N1 and including any motorcycle and, or any e-kickscooter;

Driving without seat belt on

Wearing or using headphones or any other similar device while

driving

Wearing or making use of an in-ear or over-ear hands-free device or any

similar device in the ear which is closest to the window whilst stationary

in traffic and, or driving any motor vehicle in category M1 or N1;

Wearing or making use of an in-ear or over ear hands-free device or any

similar device in both ears whilst stationary in traffic and, or driving any

motorcycle and, or e-kickscooter.

Holding and, or making use of a hand-held mobile device whilst

stationary in traffic and, or driving any M1, M2 or M3 category motor

vehicle for hire or reward and, or an N2 or N3 category motor vehicle or

any other mechanically-propelled machinery for the carriage of goods;

Wearing or making use of an in-ear or over-ear hands-free device or any

similar device in the ear which is closest to the window whilst stationary

in traffic and, or driving an M1, M2 or M3 category motor vehicle for

hire or reward and, or an N2 or N3 category motor vehicle or any other

mechanically-propelled machinery for the carriage of goods;

Wearing or making use of an in-ear or over ear hands-free device or any

similar device in both ears whilst stationary in traffic and, or driving any

motorcycle and or any e-kickscooter for hire or reward.

Using or is found to be in possession of a Blue Badge which has expired

by more than twelve (12) months;

Using or is found to be in possession of a Blue Badge belonging to a

deceased holder;

Using a Blue Badge which is not for the immediate use of the holder

with or without the holder’s knowledge or permission;

Using or allowing a Blue Badge to be used which has been reported

destroyed, lost or stolen;

Using or is found to be in possession of a tampered, copied, forged or

altered Blue Badge;

Displaying a Blue Badge on a vehicle of a person who is not entitled to

a Blue Badge;

Parking or leaving a vehicle unattended in a designated parking space

without displaying a valid Blue Badge.

Public Highway Offences

Exceeding speed limits signs or regulations for classification of road

and type of vehicle

Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations by a moving

vehicle

Traffic Direction and Signs

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

TS-1

Failure to comply with traffic light signals

3-5

TS-2

Failure to comply with double white lines

3-5

TS-3

Failure to comply with a traffic prohibitory direction sign

3-5

TS-4

Failure to comply with a sign which prohibits entry of vehicle into a

road or pedestrian zone

TS-5

Failure to comply with a sign prohibiting vehicle overtaking

3-5

TS-6

Failure to comply with a ‘Stop’ sign

3-5

TS-7

Failure to comply with a traffic mandatory direction sign

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 7 Exchange of driving licences issued by other States. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1)

A driving licence issued by a competent authority in -

(a) another Member State, or

(b) Switzerland, or

(c) a country with which Malta has a mutual recognition

of driving licence agreement,

may be exchanged for an equivalent Maltese licence.

(2) Countries with which Malta has a mutual recognition of

driving licence agreement are those listed in the Fourteenth Schedule.

(3) Where the Authority exchanges a driving licence issued by

the competent authority of a third country, such an exchange shall

be recorded on the driving licence issued by the Authority and on

any subsequent renewal or replacement

Provided that a holder of a driving licence which has been

exchanged by another Member State and which bears code 70, shall

satisfy the Authority that he possesses the minimum requirements

specified in regulation 16 prior to his licence being exchanged for a

driving licence issued by the Authority.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Seventh Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Amended by

L.N. 25 of 2007;

(Regulations 32 and 47)

L.N. 25 of 2009;

XV. 2009.49;

L.N. 172 of 2011;

L.N. 14 of 2014;

L.N. 56 of 2016.

Section A

Harmonised European Union Codes

Code

Subcode

Description

No.

DRIVER (Medical reasons)

Sight correction and/or protection

01.01

Glasses

01.02

Contact lense(s)

01.05

Eye cover

01.06

Glasses or contact lenses

01.07

Specific optical aid

Hearing aid/communication aid

Prosthesis/orthosis for the limbs

03.01

Upper limb prosthesis/orthosis

03.03

Lower limb prosthesis/orthosis

VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS

Modified transmission

10.02

Automatic selection of gear ratio

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Adapted transmission control device

Modified clutch

Adapted clutch pedal

Hand operated clutch

Automatic clutch

Measure to prevent obstruction or actuation of clutch pedal

Modified braking system

Adjusted brake pedal

Brake pedal suitable for use by left foot

Sliding brake pedal

Tilted brake pedal

Hand operated brake

Brake operation with maximum force of ......... N (This

force indicates the driver ’s capability for operating the

system) (for example: "20.07(300N)")

Adapted parking brake

Measure to prevent obstruction or actuation of brake pedal

Knee operated brake

Brake system operation supported by external force

Modified accelerator systems

Adjusted accelerator pedal

Tilted accelerator pedal

Hand operated accelerator

Knee operated accelerator

Accelerator operation supported by external force

Accelerator pedal on the left

Measure to prevent obstruction or actuation of accelerator

pedal

Pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards

Extra set of parallel pedals

Pedals at (or almost at) the same level

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Measure to prevent obstruction or actuation of accelerator

and brake pedals when pedals not operated by foot

Raised floor

Combined service brake and accelerator systems

Accelerator and service brake as combined system operated by

one hand

Accelerator and service brake as combined system operated by

external force

Combined service brake, accelerator and steering systems

Accelerator, service brake and steering as combined system

operation by external force with one hand

Accelerator, service brake and steering as combined system

operation by external force with two hands

Modified control layouts (lights switches, windscreen

wiper/washer, horn, direction indicators, etc.)

Control devices operable without releasing the steering

device

Control devices operable without releasing the steering

wheel with the left hand

Control devices operable without releasing the steering

wheel with the right hand

Control devices operable without releasing the steering

wheel and the accelerator and braking mechanisms

Modified steering

Steering with maximum operation force of .......... N (This

force indicates the driver’s capability for operating the system)

(for example "40.01(140N)")

Adjusted steering wheel (larger / thicker steering wheel

section, reduced diameter, etc.)

Adapted position of steering wheel

Foot operated steering

Assistive device at steering wheel

One hand/arm operated alternative adapted steering system

Two hand/arm operated alternative adapted steering system

Modified rear / side view devices

Adapted device for rear view

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Additional inside device permitting side view

Blind spot viewing device

Modified seating position

Driver seat height for normal view and in normal distance

from the steering wheel and the pedals

Driver seat adapted to body shape

Driver seat with lateral support for good stability

Driver seat with armrest

Seat-belt adaptation

Seat belt type with support for good stability

Modifications to motorcycles (sub-code use obligatory)

Single operated brake

Adapted front wheel brake

Adapted rear wheel brake

Adapted accelerator

Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two

feet on the surface at the same time and balance the

motorcycle during stopping and standing

Maximum operation force of front wheel brake ...... N (This

force indicates the driver's capability for operating the system)

(for example "44.09(140N)")

Maximum operation force of rear wheel brake ...... N (This

force indicates the driver's capability for operating the system)

(for example "44.10(240N)")

Adapted foot-rest

Adapted hand grip

Motorcycle with side-car only

Tricycles only

Restricted to vehicles of more than two wheels not requiring

balance by the driver for starting, stopping and standing

Restricted to a specific vehicle/chassis number (vehicle

identification number, VIN)

Letters used in combination with codes 01 to 44 for further specification

a left; b right; c hand; d foot; e middle; f arm; g thumb

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

LIMITED USE CODES

Limited to day time journeys (for example: one hour after

sunrise and one hour before sunset)

Limited to journeys within a radius of ..... km from holder’s

place of residence or only inside city/region

Driving without passengers

Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than ....... km/h

Driving authorised solely when accompanied by a holder of a

driving licence of at least the equivalent category

Without trailer

No driving on motorways

No alcohol

Restricted to driving vehicles equipped with an alcohol

interlock in accordance with EN 50436. Indication of an expiry

date is optional (for example "69" or "69(01.01.2016)")

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Exchange of licence No........... issued by ......... (EU/UN

distinguishing sign in the case of a third country e.g.

"70.0123456789.NL");

Duplicate of licence No ..... (EU/UN distinguishing sign in

the case of a third country e.g. "71.987654321.HR");

Restricted to category B vehicles of the motor quadricycle

type (B1)

Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission

(.............) Restricted to vehicles which comply with the

specifications indicated in brackets, in the context of the

application of Article 13 of Directive 2006/126/EC

Restricted to two-wheel vehicles with or without a side-car

Restricted to category AM vehicles of the three-wheel or light

quadricycle type

Restricted to tricycles

Restricted to tricycles combined with a trailer having a

maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kg

Category A1 motorcycle with a power/weight ratio above 0.1

kW/kg

Category BE vehicle where the maximum authorised mass of

the trailer exceeds 3,500 kg

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Restricted to holders of a driving licence for a category A

vehicle of the motor tricycle type not having reached the age

of 24 years

Restricted to holders of a driving licence for a category A

vehicle of the two-wheel motorcycle type not having reached

the age of 21 years

Driver holding CPC meeting the obligation of professional

aptitude provided for by Directive 2003/59/EC until ........ (for

example "95(01.01.12)")

Category B vehicles combined with a trailer with a maximum

authorised mass exceeding 750 kg where the maximum

authorised mass of such combination exceeds 3,500 kg but

does not exceed 4,250 kg

Not authorised to drive a category C1 vehicle which falls

within the scope of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85 of

20 December, 1985 on recording equipment in road transport

Section B

National Information Codes

Description

Holder enjoys diplomatic immunity

Exempt from Public Transport Customer Care Course

Restricted to drive government-owned buses and mini

buses

Holders authorised by the Authority to drive a light

passenger transport vehicle (chauffer-driven vehicle)

Holder authorised by the Authority to drive a minibus

Holder authorised by the Authority to drive a bus and/or a

coach

Holder authorised by the Authority to drive a taxi

Licence issued free of charge

The holder of a category B driving licence is authorised to

drive a motorcycle or tricycle covered by category A1, on

roads in Malta only

Probationary driving licence for first time licensees only

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 8 National provisions to apply to driving licences issued in another Member State. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The restriction, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of a

driving licence shall apply to holders of a driving licence issued in

another Member State who have their normal residence in Malta.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Eighth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Amended by

L.N. 25 of 2007;

(Regulations 34, 45A)

L.N. 426 of 2010;

L.N. 172 of 2011;

L.N. 234 of 2015;

L.N. 16 of 2018;

L.N.183 of 2020.

Minimum standards of physical and mental

fitness for driving a power-driven vehicle

Definitions

1. For the purpose of this Schedule, drivers are classified in two groups

Group 1

drivers of vehicles of categories A, AM, B and B+E and subcategories A1

Group 2

drivers of vehicles of categories C, C+E, D and D+E and subcategories C1,

C1+E, D1 and D1+E

Eyesight

2. All applicants for a driving licence shall undergo an appropriate

investigation to ensure that they have adequate visual acuity for driving power-

driven vehicles. Where there is reason to doubt that the applicant’s vision is

adequate, h e shall be examined by a comp etent m edical authority. At this

examination attention shall be paid, in particular, to the following: visual acuity,

field of vision, twilight vision, glare and contrast sensitivity, diplopia and other

visual functions that can compromise safe driving.

For Group 1 drivers, licensing may be considered in ''exceptional cases'' where the

visual field standard or visual acuity standard cannot be met; in such cases the driver

shall undergo examination by a competent medical authority to demonstrate that

there is no other impairment of visual function, including glare, contrast sensitivity

and twilight vision. The driver or applicant shall also be subject to a positive

practical test conducted by a competent authority.

Group 1

(i)

Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a licence

shall have a binocular visual acuity, with corrective lenses if necessary,

of at least 0.5 when using both eyes together.

Moreover, the horizontal visual field shall be at least 120 degrees, the

extension shall be at least 50 degrees left and right and 20 degrees up

and down. No defects shall be present within a radius of the central 20

degrees.

When a progressive eye disease is detected or declared, driving licences

may be issued or renewed subject to the applicant undergoing regular

examination by a competent medical authority.

(ii)

Applicants for a driving licence, or for the renewal of such a licence,

who have total functional loss of vision in one eye or who use only one

eye (e.g. in the case of diplopia) must have a visual acuity of at least

0.5, with corrective lenses if necessary. The competent medical

authority must certify that this condition of monocular vision has

existed for a sufficiently long time to allow adaptation and that the field

of vision in this eye meets the requirement laid down in paragraph (i).

(iii)

After any recently developed diplopia or after the loss of vision in one

eye, there shall be an appropriate adaptation period (for example, six

months), during which driving is not allowed. After this period, driving

is only allowed following a favourable opinion from vision and driving

experts.

Group 2

(iv)

Applicants for a driving licence or for the renewal of such a licence

shall have a visual acuity, with corrective lenses if necessary, of at least

0.8 in the better eye and at least 0.1 in the worse eye. If corrective

lenses are used to attain the values of 0.8 and 0.1, the minimum acuity

(0.8 and 0.1) must be achieved either by correction by means of glasses

with a power not exceeding + 8 dioptres, or with the aid of contact

lenses. The correction must be well tolerated.

Moreover, the horizontal visual field with both eyes shall be at least 160

degrees, the extension shall be at least 70 degrees left and right and 30

degrees up and down. No defects shall be present within a radius of the

central 30 degrees.

Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or

drivers suffering from impaired contrast sensitivity or from diplopia.

After a substantial loss of vision in one eye, there shall be an

appropriate adaptation period (for example six months) during which

the subject is not allowed to drive. After this period, driving is only

allowed after a favourable opinion from vision and driving experts.

Hearing

3. Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants or drivers in

Group 2 subject to the opinion of the competent medical authorities; particular

account will be taken in medical examinations of the scope for compensation.

Persons with a Locomotor Disability

4. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers

suffering from complaints or abnormalities of the locomoter system which make it

dangerous to drive a power-driven vehicle.

(a) Group 1

(i)

Driving licences subject to certain restrictions, if necessary, may

be issued to physically handicapped applicants or drivers

following the issuing of an opinion by a competent medical

authority. This opinion must be based on a medical assessment of

the complaint or abnormality in question and, where necessary, on

a practical test. It must also indicate what type of modification to

the vehicle is required and whether the driver needs to be fitted

with an orthopaedic device, insofar as the test of skills and

behaviour demonstrates that with such a device driving would not

be dangerous.

(ii) Driving licences may be issued to or renewed for any applicant

suffering from a progressive complaint on condition that the

disabled person is regularly examined to check that the person is

still capable of driving the vehicle completely safely.

Where the handicap is static, driving licences may be issued or renewed

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

without the applicant being subject to regular medical examination.

(b) Group 2

The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to

the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of

vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular conditions or diseases can lead to a sudden impairment of

the cerebral functions that constitutes a danger to road safety. These conditions

represent grounds for establishing temporary or permanent restrictions to driving.

5.1

For the following cardiovascular conditions, driving licences may

be issued or renewed for applicants or drivers in the indicated groups, only after

the condition has been effectively treated and subject to competent medical

authorisation and if appropriate, regular medical assessment

(a) Group 1

(i)

brady-arrhythmias (sinus node disease and conduction

disturbances) and tachy-arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular

arrhythmias) with history of syncope or syncopal episodes due to

arrhythmic conditions;

(ii)

tachy-arrhythmias

(supraventricular

and

ventricular

arrhythmias) with structural heart disease and sustained ventricular

tachycardia (VT);

(iii)

symptomatic of angina;

(iv) defibrillator implantation or replacement or appropriate or

inappropriate defibrillator shock;

(v)

syncope (a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone,

characterised by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery, due

to global cerebral hypoperfusion, of presumed reflex origin, of unknown

cause, with no evidence of underlying heart disease);

(vi)

acute coronary syndrome;

(vii)

stable angina if symptoms do not occur with mild exercise;

(viii) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI);

(ix)

coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG);

(x)

stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA);

(xi)

heart failure: New York Heart Association (NYHA) I, II, III;

(xii)

heart transplantation;

(xiii) cardiac assist device;

(xiv) valvular heart surgery;

(xv) malignant hypertension (elevation in systolic blood pressure

≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg associated with

impending or progressive organ damage);

(xvi) congenital heart disease;

(xvii) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy if without syncope;

(xviii) long QT syndrome with syncope, Torsade des Pointes or QTc

> 500 ms.

(b) Group 2

(i)

brady-arrhythmias (sinus node disease and conduction

disturbances) and tachy-arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular

arrhythmias) with history of syncope or syncopal episodes due to

arrhythmic conditions;

(ii)

brady-arrhythmias: sinus node disease and conduction

disturbances with second degree atrioventricular (AV) block Mobitz II,

third degree AV block or alternating bundle branch block;

(iii) tachy-arrhythmias

(supraventricular

and

ventricular

arrhythmias) with structural heart disease and sustained ventricular

tachycardia (VT) or polymorphic nonsustained (VT), sustained ventricular

tachycardia or with an indication for a defibrillator;

(iv)

symptomatic of angina;

(v)

permanent pacemaker implantation or replacement;

(vi) syncope (a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone,

characterised by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery, due

to global cerebral hypoperfusion, of presumed reflex origin, of unknown

cause, with no evidence of underlying heart disease);

(vii)

acute coronary syndrome;

(viii) stable angina if symptoms do not occur with mild exercise;

(ix)

percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI);

(x)

coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG);

(xi)

stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA);

(xii)

significant carotid artery stenosis;

(xiii) maximum aortic diameter exceeding 5.5 cm;

(xiv) heart failure: NYHA I and II provided that the left ventricular

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

ejection fraction is at least 35%;

(xv)

heart transplantation;

(xvi) valvular heart surgery;

(xvii) malignant hypertension (elevation in systolic blood pressure

≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg associated with

impending or progressive organ damage);

(xviii) grade III blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110

mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg) (applies to group 2

only);

(xix) congenital heart disease.

5.2

For the following cardiovascular conditions, driving licences shall

not be issued or renewed in the indicated groups

(a) Group 1

(i)

peripheral vascular disease — thoracic and abdominal aortic

aneurysm when maximum aortic diameter is such that it predisposes to a

significant risk of sudden rupture and hence a sudden disabling event;

(ii)

heart failure: NYHA IV;

(iii) valvular heart disease with aortic regurgitation, aortic

stenosis, mitral regurgitation or mitral stenosis if functional ability is

estimated to be NYHA IV or if there have been syncopal episodes;

(iv)

Brugada syndrome with syncope or aborted sudden cardiac

death.

(b) Group 2

(i)

implant of a defibrillator;

(ii)

peripheral vascular disease — thoracic and abdominal aortic

aneurysm when maximum aortic diameter is such that it predisposes to a

significant risk of sudden rupture and hence a sudden disabling event;

(iii)

heart failure: NYHA III and IV;

(iv)

cardiac assist devices;

(v)

valvular heart disease in NYHA III or IV or with ejection

fraction (EF) below 35%, mitral stenosis and severe pulmonary

hypertension or with severe echocardiographic aortic stenosis or aortic

stenosis causing syncope; except for completely asymptomatic severe

aortic stenosis if the exercise tolerance test requirements are fulfilled;

(vi)

structural and electrical cardiomyopathies — hypertrophic

cardiomyopathy with history of syncope or when two or more of the

following conditions present: left ventricle (LV) wall thickness > 3 cm,

non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, a family history of sudden death (in

a first degree relative), no increase of blood pressure with exercise;

(vii) long QT syndrome with syncope, Torsade des Pointes and

QTc > 500 ms;

(viii) Brugada syndrome with syncope or aborted sudden cardiac

death.

Driving licences may be issued or renewed in exceptional cases,

provided that it is duly justified by competent medical opinion and subject

to regular medical assessment ensuring that the person is still capable of

driving the vehicle safely taking into account the effects of the medical

condition.

Other cardiomyopathies

5.3

The risk of sudden incapacitating events shall be evaluated in

applicants or drivers with well described cardiomyopathies (for example

arrhythmogenic

right

ventricular

cardiomyopathy,

non-compaction

cardiomyopathy, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and

short QT syndrome) or with new cardiomyopathies that may be discovered. A

careful specialist evaluation is required. The prognostic features of the particular

cardiomyopathy shall be considered.

5.4

The Authority shall have the right to restrict the issue or renewal of

driving licences for applicants or drivers with other cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes Mellitus

6. In the following paragraphs, a severe hypoglycaemia means that the

assistance of another person is needed and a recurrent hypoglycaemia is defined as a

second severe hypoglycaemia during a period of 12 months.

Group 1

(i)

Driving licences may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers

who have diabetes mellitus. When treated with medication, they shall be

subject to authorised medical opinion and regular medical review,

appropriate to each case, but the interval shall not exceed five years.

(ii)

An applicant or driver with diabetes treated with medication which carries a

risk of inducing hypoglycaemia shall demonstrate an understanding of the

risk of hypoglycaemia and adequate control of the condition. Driving

licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who

have inadequate awareness of hypoglycaemia. Driving licences shall not be

issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who have recurrent severe

hypoglycaemia, unless supported by competent medical opinion and

regular medical assessment. For recurrent severe hypoglycaemias during

waking hours a licence shall not be issued or renewed until 3 months after

the most recent episode. Driving licences may be issued or renewed in

exceptional cases, provided that it is duly justified by competent medical

opinion and subject to regular medical assessment, ensuring that the person

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

is still capable of driving the vehicle safely taking into account the effects

of the medical condition.

Group 2

(iii)

Consideration may be given to the issuing/renewal of Group 2 licences

to drivers with diabetes mellitus. When treated with medication which

carries a risk of inducing hypoglycaemia (that is, with insulin, and some

tablets), the following criteria shall apply

-

no severe hypoglycaemic events have occurred in the previous 12

months,

-

the driver has full hypoglycaemic awareness,

-

the driver must show adequate control of the condition by regular

blood glucose monitoring, at least twice daily and at times

relevant to driving,

-

the driver must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of

hypoglycaemia,

-

there are no other debarring complications of diabetes.

Moreover, in these cases, such licences shall be issued subject to the

opinion of a competent medical authority and to regular medical review,

undertaken at intervals of not more than three years.

(iv)

A severe hypoglycaemic event during waking hours, even unrelated to

driving, shall be reported and shall give rise to a reassessment of the

licensing status.

Neurological Diseases and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

7. (a) Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or

drivers suffering from a serious neurological disease, unless the

application is supported by authorised medical opinion.

Neurological disturbances associated with diseases or surgical

intervention affecting the central or peripheral nervous system, which

lead to sensory or motor deficiencies and affect balance and

coordination, must accordingly be taken into account in relation to their

functional effects and the risks of progression. In such cases, the issue

or renewal of the licence may be subject to periodic assessment in the

event of risk of deterioration.

(b) Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome - In the following paragraphs, a

moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome corresponds to a number

of apnoeas and hypopnoeas per hour (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index)

between 15 and 29 and a severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

corresponds to an Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index of 30 or more, both

associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Applicants or drivers in whom a moderate or severe obstructive sleep

apnoea syndrome is suspected shall be referred for further authorised

medical advice before a driving licence is issued or renewed. They may

be advised not to drive until confirmation of the diagnosis.

Driving licences may be issued to applicants or drivers with moderate or

severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome who show adequate control

of their condition and compliance with appropriate treatment and

improvement of sleepiness, if any, confirmed by authorised medical

opinion.

Applicants or drivers with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea

syndrome under treatment shall be subject to a periodic medical review,

at intervals not exceeding three years for drivers of group 1 and one

year for drivers of group 2, with a view to establish the level of

compliance with the treatment, the need for continuing the treatment

and continued good vigilance.

Epilepsy

8. Epileptic seizures or other sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness

constitute a serious danger to road safety if they occur in a person driving a power-

driven vehicle.

Epilepsy is defined as having had two or more epileptic seizures, less than five

years apart. A provoked epileptic seizure is defined as a seizure which has a

recognisable causative factor that is avoidable.

A person who has an initial or isolated seizure or loss of consciousness shall be

advised not to drive. A specialist report is required, stating the period of driving

prohibition and the requested follow-up.

It is extremely important that the person’s specific epilepsy syndrome and seizure

type are identified so that a proper evaluation of the person’s driving safety can be

undertaken (including the risk of further seizures) and the appropriate therapy

instituted. This shall be done by a neurologist.

Group 1

(i)

Drivers assessed under Group 1 with epilepsy shall be under licence

review until they have been seizure-free for at least five years.

If the person has epilepsy, the criteria for an unconditional licence are

not met. Notification shall be given to the licensing authority.

(ii) Provoked epileptic seizure: the applicant who has had a provoked

epileptic seizure because of a recognisable provoking factor that is

unlikely to recur at the wheel can be declared able to drive on an

individual basis, subject to neurological opinion (the assessment shall

be, if appropriate, in accordance with other relevant sections of this

Schedule, e.g. in the case of alcohol or other co-morbidity).

(iii) First or single unprovoked seizure: the applicant who has had a first

unprovoked epileptic seizure can be declared able to drive after a period

of six months without seizures, if there has been an appropriate medical

assessment. The Authority may allow drivers with recognised good

prognostic indicators to drive sooner.

(iv)

Other loss of consciousness: the loss of consciousness shall be assessed

according to the risk of recurrence while driving.

(v)

Epilepsy: drivers or applicants can be declared fit to drive after a one-

year period free of further seizures.

(vi)

Seizures exclusively in sleep: the applicant or driver who has never had

any seizures other than seizures during sleep can be declared fit to drive

so long as this pattern has been established for a period which must not

be less than the seizure-free period required for epilepsy. If there is an

occurrence of attacks/seizure arising while awake, a one-year period

free of further event before licensing is required [see paragraph (v)].

(vii) Seizures without influence on consciousness or the ability to act: the

applicant or driver who has never had any seizures other than seizures

which have been demonstrated exclusively to affect neither

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

consciousness nor cause any functional impairment can be declared fit

to drive so long as this pattern has been established for a period which

must not be less than the seizure-free period required for epilepsy. If

there is an occurrence of any other kind of attacks/seizures a one-year

period free of further event before licensing is required [see paragraph

(v)].

(viii) Seizures because of a physician-directed change or reduction of anti-

epileptic therapy: the patient may be advised not to drive from the

commencement of the period of withdrawal and thereafter for a period

of six months after cessation of treatment. Seizures occurring during

physician-advised change or withdrawal of medication require three

months off driving if the previously effective treatment is reinstated.

(ix)

After curative epilepsy surgery see: paragraph (v).

Group 2

(x)

The applicant shall be without anti-epileptic medication for the required

period of seizure freedom. An appropriate medical follow-up has been

done. On extensive neurological investigation, no relevant cerebral

pathology was established and there is no epileptiform activity on the

electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG and an appropriate neurological

assessment shall be performed after the acute episode.

(xi)

Provoked epileptic seizure: the applicant who has had a provoked

epileptic seizure because of a recognisable provoking factor that is

unlikely to recur at the wheel can be declared able to drive on an

individual basis, subject to neurological opinion. An EEG and an

appropriate neurological assessment shall be performed after the acute

episode.

A person with a structural intra-cerebral lesion who has increased risk

of seizures shall not be able to drive vehicles of Group 2 until the

epilepsy risk has fallen to at least 2% per annum. The assessment shall

be, if appropriate, in accordance with other relevant sections of this

Schedule (e.g. in the case of alcohol).

(xii) First or single unprovoked seizure: the applicant who has had a first

unprovoked epileptic seizure can be declared able to drive once five

years’ freedom from further seizures has been achieved without the aid

of anti-epileptic drugs, if there has been an appropriate neurological

assessment. The Authority may allow drivers with recognised good

prognostic indicators to drive sooner.

(xiii) Other loss of consciousness: the loss of consciousness shall be assessed

according to the risk of recurrence while driving. The risk of recurrence

shall be 2 % per annum or less.

(xiv) Epilepsy: 10 years freedom from further seizures shall have been

achieved without the aid of anti-epileptic drugs. The Authority may

allow drivers with recognised good prognostic indicators to drive

sooner. This also applies in case of ''juvenile epilepsy''.

Certain disorders (e.g. arterio-venous malformation or intra-cerebral

haemorrhage) entail an increased risk of seizures, even if seizures have

not yet occurred. In such a situation an assessment shall be carried out

by a competent medical authority; the risk of having a seizure shall be

2% per annum or less to allow licensing.

Mental Disorders

9. (a) Group 1

Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or

drivers who suffer from

severe mental disturbance, whether congenital or due to disease,

trauma or neurosurgical operations;

severe mental retardation;

severe behavioural problems due to ageing; or personality defects

leading to seriously impaired judgment, behaviour or adaptability,

unless their application is supported by authorised medical opinion and,

if necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.

(b) Group 2

The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to the

additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of vehicles covered

by the definition of this group.

Alcohol

10. Alcohol consumption constitutes a major danger to road safety.

(a) Group 1

Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants

or drivers who are dependent on alcohol or unable to refrain from

drinking and driving.

After a proven period of abstinence and subject to authorised

medical opinion and regular medical check-ups, driving licences

may be issued to, or renewed for, applicants or drivers who have

in the past been dependent on alcohol.

(b) Group 2

The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to

the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of

vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

Drugs and Medicinal Products

11. Driving licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers

who are dependent on psychotropic substances or who are not dependent on such

substances but regularly abuse them, whatever category of licence is requested.

12. Regular use

(a) Group 1

Driving licences shall not be issued to, or renewed for, applicants

or drivers who regularly use psychotropic substances, in whatever

form, which can hamper the ability to drive safely where the

quantities absorbed are such as to have an adverse effect on

driving. This shall apply to all other medicinal products or

combinations of medicinal products which affect the ability to

drive.

(b) Group 2

The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to

the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of

vehicles covered by the definitions of this group.

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Renal Disorders

13. (a) Group 1

Driving licences may be issued or renewed for applicants and

drivers suffering from serious renal insufficiency subject to

authorised medical opinion and regular medical check-ups.

(b) Group 2

Save in exceptional cases duly justified by authorised medical

opinion, and subject to regular medical check-ups, driving

licences shall not be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers

suffering from serious and irreversible renal deficiency.

Miscellaneous Provisions

14. (a) Group 1

Subject to authorised medical opinion and, if necessary, regular

medical check-ups, driving licences may be issued to or renewed

for applicants or drivers who have had an organ transplant or an

artificial implant which affects the ability to drive.

(b) Group 2

(i)

The competent medical authority shall give due consideration to

the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of

vehicles covered by the definition of this group.

(ii) As a general rule, where applicants or drivers suffer from any

disorder which is not mentioned in the preceding paragraph but is

liable to be, or to result in, a functional incapacity affecting safety

at the wheel, driving licences shall not be issued or renewed

unless the application is supported by authorised medical opinion

and, if necessary, subject to regular medical check-ups.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 9 Categories and sub-categories of vehicles for which a licence may be granted. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) For the purposes of these regulations the categories and

sub-categories of vehicles for which a licence may be granted shall

be as shown in the First Schedule.

(2) Save as otherwise provided in regulation 5, these

regulations shall apply to every vehicle of a category specified in

the First Schedule.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Ninth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(Regulations 37 and 51)

Driving licences fees*, authorisation fees and administrative charges

Description

Licence fee

Administrative

€

charge/Authorisation

Charge

€

Probationary driving licence for a period of

21.00

Driving licence for a period of five years (other

than for drivers aged 70 years and over)

35.00

Driving licence for a period of five years in

respect of drivers aged 70 years and over

23.25

Driving licence for a period of ten years

70.00

Issue of an International Driving Permit

23.25

Issue or renewal of a driving licence to a person

with a disability, falling under the Social Security

Act (Cap. 318), to drive a specially adapted

motor vehicle

Nil

Issue of a duplicate driving licence for a lost,

stolen or defaced valid driving licence

Nil

Issue of a driving licence card within 24 hours

Nil

Issue of a duplicate driving licence due to any

alteration in the data contained in the photocard

driving licence

Nil

Application to acquire a driving licence

Nil

23.25

Application to undertake theory test

Nil

30.25

Application for a re-sit of the theory test

Nil

22.50

Application to undertake practical test during

weekdays

Nil

23.25

Appli cation to undertake pract ical test on

Saturday

Nil

Adding new category to driving licence

Nil

Registration to act as driving instructor per annum

Nil

Application to take the driving instructor test

Nil

23.25

Authorisation to operate as a motoring school per

Nil

Taking of affidavit or declaration for loss of

licence, authorisation, certificate or any other

document

Nil

* Licence fees received by the Authority under these regulations shall be on account of the

Consolidated Fund.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 10 Exemptions. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The Minister may in writing, in his discretion, exempt any

person from all or any of the provisions of these regulations.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Tenth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Substituted by

L.N. 25 of 2007.

(Regulation 53)

Conduct by drivers leading to driving disqualifications

1. Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or

serious risk).

2. Wilful failure to carry out the obligations placed on drivers after being

involved in road accidents (hit-and-run driving).

3. Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances

affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of a driver.

4. Refusal to submit to alcohol and drug tests.

5. Driving a vehicle faster than the permitted speed.

6. Driving a vehicle whilst disqualified.

7. Other conduct constituting an offence for which a driving disqualification

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

has been imposed by the State of the offence

of a duration of six months or more,

of a duration of less than six months where that has been agreed

bilaterally between the States concerned.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 11 Applicability of Motor Vehicles Regulations. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(Deleted by Legal Notice 149 of 2013).

P ART II

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Eleventh Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

L.N. 14 of 2004;

(Regulation 74)

L.N. 25 of 2007;

L.N. 172 of 2011.

Examination of ability to give instruction

Theory Examination

1. The theory examination shall consist of an examination, in which the

candidate is required to answer from his own knowledge, on all or any of the

following subjects

(a) the principles of road safety generally and their application in particular

circumstances;

(b) the techniques of driving a motor car correctly, courteously and safely,

including control of the vehicle, road procedure, recognising hazards,

taking proper action with respect to hazards, dealing properly with

pedestrians and other road users and the use of safety equipment;

(c) the tuition required to instruct a pupil on the matters set out in

paragraph (b), the correction of the pupil’s errors, the manner of the

instructor, the relationship between instructor and pupil and simple

vehicle adaptation for disabled drivers;

(d) the theory of learning and the theory and practice of teaching and

assessment;

(e) the Highway Code;

(f)

the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations;

(g) the booklet “Your Driving Test” (D.L.68) issued by the United Kingdom

Secretary of State and published by HM Stationery Office;

(h) knowledge, adequate to the needs of driving instruction, of the

mechanism and design of a motor car; and

(i)

the book “Driving – The Department of Transport manual”, issued by

the United Kingdom Department of Transport and published by HM

Stationery Office.

Driving ability and fitness test

2. (1) The driving ability and fitness test shall consist of tests of eyesight and

driving technique and the candidate shall be required to reach the qualifying

standard in both tests on the same occasion.

(2) The test of eyesight shall be a test of the candidate’s ability to read, in good

daylight, a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures 79.4

millimetres in height at a distance of 27.5 metres (with the aid of glasses or contact

lenses if worn).

(3)

The test of driving technique shall be a test in which the candidate is

required to satisfy the examiner that he has an adequate knowledge of the principles

of good driving and road safety and that he can apply them in practice.

(4) A candidate taking the test of driving technique shall in particular be

required to satisfy the examiner on -

(a) his expert handling of controls;

(b) his use of correct road procedure;

(c) his anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking of

appropriate action;

(d) his sound judgement of distance, speed and timing; and

(e) his consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.

(5) The candidate taking the test of driving technique shall be required to

demonstrate his ability to perform all or any of the following manoeuvres

(a) moving away straight ahead or at an angle;

(b) overtaking, meeting or crossing the path of other vehicles and taking an

appropriate course;

(c) turning right hand and left hand corners;

(d) stopping the vehicle in an emergency;

(e) driving the vehicle backwards and whilst so doing entering limited

openings to the right and to the left; and

(f)

turning the vehicle around in the road to face in the opposite direction

by the use of forward and reverse gears.

Instructional ability and fitness test

3. (1) The instructional ability and fitness test shall be a test in which the

candidate is required to demonstrate his knowledge and ability by giving practical

driving instruction to an examiner as if the examiner were -

(a) a novice or partly-trained pupil, and then

(b) a pupil who is at a driving test or about a driving test standard.

(2) The candidate shall, in respect of one or both of those levels as the examiner

shall specify, instruct the examiner in such of the following subjects as the examiner

shall specify as the basis of the instruction -

(a) explaining the controls of the vehicle,

(b) moving off,

(c) making normal stops,

(d) reversing, and while doing so entering limited openings to the right or

to the left,

(e) turning to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears,

(f)

parking close to the kerb, using forward and reverse gears,

(g) using mirrors and explaining how to make an emergency stop,

(h) approaching and turning corners,

(i)

judging speed, and making normal progress,

(j)

road positioning,

(k) dealing with road junctions,

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

(l)

dealing with cross roads,

(m) dealing with pedestrian crossings,

(n) meeting, crossing the path of, overtaking and allowing adequate

clearance for, other vehicles and other road users, and

(o) giving correct signals.

(3)

The candidate’s knowledge and ability shall be assessed on -

(a) the method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of his instruction,

(b) the observation and correction of the examiner’s driving errors, and

(c) his manner generally.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 12 International Driving Permit. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Any person wishing to drive a motor vehicle in another

country other than in a Member State may apply to the Authority

for the issue of an international driving permit in accordance with

the provisions of any international convention applicable to Malta.

The Authority shall, subject to the provisions of regulation 14,

issue such permit.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Twelfth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Amended by;

L.N. 25 of 2007;

(Regulation 75)

L.N. 172 of 2011.

Test of continued ability and fitness to give instruction

Nature of test and provision of a motor car

1. (1) The following provisions shall have effect where a person is required to

undergo the continued ability and fitness test.

(2) The test shall consist of the attendance of the examiner, while the person is

giving instruction to a pupil or pupils.

(3) Unless the examiner otherwise directs, the test shall be carried out in a

motor car on a road while the examiner is in the vehicle and a pupil is under

instruction.

(4) The candidate shall be assessed on his instructional ability, and, in

particular, in respect of the following qualities -

(a) his method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of instruction;

(b) his observation and proper correction of the pupil’s errors;

(c) his manner, patience and tact in dealing with the pupil; and

(d) his ability to inspire confidence.

(5) Where the test is to be conducted in a motor car, the person shall provide a

motor car which is a passenger vehicle and which is suitable for such a test.

(6) The instructor may also be required to undergo a medical test as to his

fitness to work as an instructor.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 13 Application requirements. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Every application for an international driving permit shall

state the country or countries for which it is required.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Thirteenth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Added by;

L.N. 25 of 2007.

(Regulations 29, 30)

Amended by

L.N. 172 of 2011;

Substituted by

L.N. 193 of 2020.

Minimum qualification and training requirements

Section 1: List of subjects

1. The knowledge to be taken into account when establishing the driver’s

initial qualification and periodic training must include at least the subjects

in this list. Trainee drivers must reach the level of knowledge and practical

competence necessary to drive in all safety vehicles of the relevant licence

category.

The minimum level of qualification shall be comparable at least to level 2 of the

European Qualifications Framework as provided for in Annex II to

Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April

2008. Advanced training in rational driving based on safety regulations

All licences

1.1.

Objective: to know the characteristics of the transmission system in order

to make the best possible use of it

curves relating to torque, power, and specific consumption of an engine, area of

optimum use of revolution counter, gearbox-ratio cover diagrams.

1.2.

Objective: to know the technical characteristics and operation of the safety

controls in order to control the vehicle, minimise wear and tear, and

prevent disfunctioning

limits to the use of brakes and retarder, combined use of brakes and retarder,

making better use of speed and gear ratio, making use of vehicle inertia, using

ways of slowing down and braking on downhill stretches, action in the event of

failure, use of electronic and mechanical devices such as Electronic Stability

Program (ESP), Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), Anti-Lock

Braking System (ABS), traction control systems (TCS) and in vehicle monitoring

systems (IVMS) and other, approved for use, driver assistance or automation

devices.

1.3.

Objective: ability to optimise fuel consumption

optimisation of fuel consumption by applying know-how as regards points 1.1 and

1.2, importance of anticipating traffic flow, appropriate distance to other vehicles

and use of the vehicle's momentum, steady speed, smooth driving style and

appropriate tyre pressure, and familiarity with intelligent transport systems that

improve driving efficiency and assist in route planning.

1.3a.

Objective: ability to anticipate, assess and adapt to risks in traffic

to be aware of and adapt to different road, traffic and weather conditions,

anticipate forthcoming events; to understand how to prepare and plan a journey

during abnormal weather conditions; to be familiar with the use of related safety

equipment and to understand when a journey has to be postponed or cancelled due

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

to extreme weather conditions; to adapt to the risks of traffic, including dangerous

behaviour in traffic or distracted driving (through the use of electronic devices,

eating, drinking, etc.); to recognise and adapt to dangerous situations and to be

able to cope with stress deriving therefrom, in particular related to size and weight

of the vehicles and vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and

powered two wheelers;

to identify possible hazardous situations and properly interpret how these

potentially hazardous situations may turn into situations where crashes can no

longer be averted and selecting and implementing actions that increase the safety

margins to such an extent that a crash can still be averted in case the potential

hazards should occur.

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

1.4.

Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and

proper vehicle use

forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox ratios according to vehicle load

and road profile, use of automatic transmission systems, calculation of payload of

vehicle or assembly, calculation of total volume, load distribution, consequences

of overloading the axle, vehicle stability and centre of gravity, types of packaging

and pallets;

main categories of goods needing securing, clamping and securing techniques, use of

securing straps, checking of securing devices, use of handling equipment, placing

and removal of tarpaulins.

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E, f

1.5.

Objective: ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety

adjusting longitudinal and sideways movements, road sharing, position on the

road, smooth breaking, overhang operation, using specific infrastructures (public

areas, dedicated lanes), managing conflicts between safe driving and other roles

as a driver, interacting with passengers, specificities of certain groups of

passengers (disabled persons, children).

1.6.

Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and

proper vehicle use

forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox-ratios according to vehicle

load and road profile, use of automatic transmission systems, calculation of

payload of vehicle or assembly, load distribution, consequences of overloading

the axle, vehicle stability and centre of gravity.

Application of regulations

All licences

2.1.

Objective: to know the social environment of road transport and the rules

governing it

maximum working periods specific to the transport industry; principles,

application and consequences of Regulations (EC) No 561/2006 and (EU) No

165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council; penalties for failure to

use, improper use of and tampering with the tachograph; knowledge of the social

environment of road transport: rights and duties of drivers as regards initial

qualification and periodic training.

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

2.2.

Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of goods

transport operating licences, documents to be carried in the vehicle, bans on using

certain roads, road-use fees, obligations under standard contracts for the carriage

of goods, drafting of documents which form the transport contract, international

transport permits, obligations under the Convention on the Contract for the

International Carriage of Goods by Road, drafting of the international

consignment note, crossing borders, freight forwarders, special documents

accompanying goods.

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E, f

2.3.

Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of passengers

carriage of specific groups of passengers, safety equipment on board buses, safety

belts, vehicle load.

3. Health, road and environmental safety, service, logistics

All licences

3.1.

Objective: to make drivers aware of the risks of the road and of accidents at

work

types of accidents at work in the transport sector, road accident statistics,

involvement of lorries/coaches, human, material and financial consequences.

3.2.

Objective: ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal

immigrants

general information, implications for drivers, preventive measures, check list,

legislation on transport operator liability.

3.3.

Objective: ability to prevent physical risks

ergonomic principles; movements and postures which pose a risk, physical fitness,

handling exercises, personal protection.

3.4.

Objective: awareness of the importance of physical and mental ability

principles of healthy, balanced eating, effects of alcohol, drugs or any other

substance likely to affect behaviour, symptoms, causes, effects of fatigue and

stress, fundamental role of the basic work/rest cycle.

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

3.5

Objective: ability to assess emergency situations

behaviour in an emergency situation: assessment of the situation, avoiding

complications of an accident, summoning assistance, assisting casualties and

giving first aid, reaction in the event of fire, evacuation of occupants of a lorry/

bus passengers, ensuring the safety of all passengers, reaction in the event of

aggression; basic principles for the drafting of an accident report.

3.6.

Objective: ability to adopt behaviour to help enhance the image of the

company

behaviour of the driver and company image: importance for the company of the

standard of service provided by the driver, the roles of the driver, people with

whom the driver will be dealing, vehicle maintenance, work organisation,

commercial and financial effects of a dispute.

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

3.7.

Objective: to know the economic environment of road haulage and the

organisation of the market

road transport in relation to other modes of transport (competition, shippers),

different road transport activities (transport for hire or reward, own account,

auxiliary transport activities), organisation of the main types of transport

company and auxiliary transport activities, different transport specialisations

(road tanker, controlled temperature, dangerous goods, animal transport, etc.),

changes in the industry (diversification of services provided, rail-road,

subcontracting, etc.).

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E, f

3.8.

Objective: to know the economic environment of the carriage of passengers

by road and the organisation of the market

carriage of passengers by road in relation to other modes of passenger transport

(rail, private car), different activities involving the carriage of passengers by road,

disability awareness, crossing borders (international transport), organisation of

the main types of companies for the carriage of passengers by road.

Section 2: Compulsory initial qualification provided for in regulation 29

The Authority or an entity designated by it shall organise the following theoretical

and practical tests to check whether the trainee driver has the level of knowledge

required in section 1 for the subjects and objectives listed there.

(a)

The theoretical test shall consist of at least two parts

(i)

questions including multiple-choice questions, questions

requiring a direct answer, or a combination of both;

(ii)

case studies.

The minimum duration of the theoretical test must be four hours.

(b)

The practical test shall consist of two parts

(i)

a driving test aimed at assessing training in rational driving

based on safety regulations. The test must take place, whenever possible,

on roads outside built-up areas, on fast roads and on motorways (or

similar), and on all kinds of urban highways presenting the different types

of difficulties that a driver is liable to encounter. It would be desirable for

this test to take place in different traffic density conditions.

The driving time on the road must be used optimally in order to assess the

candidate in all traffic areas likely to be encountered. The minimum duration of

this test must be 90 minutes;

(ii)

a practical test covering at least points 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 3.2, 3.3

and 3.5.

The minimum duration of this test must be 30 minutes.

The vehicle used for the practical test must meet at least the requirements for test

vehicles as defined in the Third Schedule.

The practical test may be supplemented by a third test taking place on special

terrain or on a top-of-the-range simulator so as to assess training in rational

driving based on safety regulations, in particular with regard to vehicle handling

in different road conditions and the way they change with different atmospheric

conditions and the time of day or night.

The duration of this optional test is not fixed. Should the driver undergo such a

test, its duration may be deducted from the 90 minutes of the driving test referred

to under (i), but the time deducted may not exceed 30 minutes.

For new drivers, the theoretical test must be limited to the subjects, referred to in

section 1, which are relevant to the vehicles to which the new initial qualification

applies. However, such drivers must undergo the whole practical test.

Section 3: Compulsory periodic training

Compulsory periodic training courses must be organised by an approved training

centre. Their duration must be of 35 hours every five years, given in periods of at

least seven hours, which may be split over two consecutive days. Whenever e-

learning is used, the approved training centre shall ensure that the proper quality

of the training is maintained, including by selecting the subjects where ICT tools

can most effectively be deployed. In particular, the Authority shall require reliable

user identification and appropriate means of control. The maximum duration of

the e-learning training shall not exceed 12 hours. At least one of the training

course periods shall cover a road safety subject. The content of the training shall

take into account training needs specific to the transport operations carried out by

the driver and relevant legal and technological developments and should, as far as

possible, take into account specific training needs of the driver. A range of

different subjects should be covered over the 35 hours, including repeat training

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

where it is shown that the driver needs specific remedial training.

Section 4: Approval of the initial qualification and periodic training

4.1.

The training centres taking part in the initial qualification and periodic

training must be approved by the Authority. Approval may be given only in

response to a written application. The application must be accompanied by

documents including

4.1.1 a suitable qualification and training programme specifying the subjects

taught and setting out the proposed implementing plan and teaching

methods;

4.1.2. the instructors’ qualifications and fields of activity;

4.1.3. information about the premises where the courses are given, the teaching

materials, the resources made available for the practical work, and the

vehicle fleet used;

4.1.4.

the conditions regarding participation in the courses (number of

participants).

4.2.

The Authority must give approval in writing subject to the following

conditions

4.2.1.

the training must be given in accordance with the documents

accompanying the application;

4.2.2. the Authority must be entitled to send authorised persons to assist in the

training courses of the approved centres, and must be entitled to monitor

such centres, with regard to the resources used and the proper running of

the training courses and tests;

4.2.3. the approval may be withdrawn or suspended if the conditions of approval

are no longer complied with.

The approved centre must guarantee that the instructors have a sound knowledge

of the most recent regulations and training requirements. As part of a specific

selection procedure, the instructors must provide certification showing a

knowledge of both the subject material and teaching methods. As regards the

practical part of the training, instructors must provide certification of experience

as professional drivers or similar driving experience, such as that of driving

instructors for heavy vehicles.

The programme of instruction must be in accordance with the approval and must

cover the subjects in the list in section 1.

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 14 Issue of permit. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

An international driving permit shall be issued to a person

who -

(a) has his normal residence in Malta; and

(b) is the holder of a driving licence issued by the

Authority or by a competent authority in another

Member State.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Fourteenth Schedule — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Added by;

L.N. 149 of 2013.

(Regulation 7)

Amended by

L.N. 449 of 2020;

L.N. 109 of 2023.

Countries with which Malta has a mutual recognition

of driving licence agreement

Australia.

United Arab Emirates.

United Kingdom (including Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and Northern Ireland).

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 15 Validity of international driving permit. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

An international driving permit issued by the Authority in

terms of regulation 14 shall be valid for a period of twelve months.

P ART III

DRIVING TEST

Minimum requirements for driving tests

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 16 Minimum requirements for driving tests. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

An applicant for a driving licence must satisfy the

Authority that he possesses the knowledge and skills, and exhibits

the behaviour required, for driving a motor vehicle. The test to this

effect shall consist of

(a) a theory test; and

(b) a test of skills and behaviour

Provided that for a category AM driving licence, the test

shall only consist of a theory test

Theory Test

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 17 Syllabus of the theory test. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

All new applicants must complete, to the satisfaction of the

Authority, a theory test covering the subjects listed in the syllabus

in the Fourth Schedule.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 18 Eligibility to sit for the theory test. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Only applicants who have attained their eighteenth birthday

shall be eligible to sit for the theory test

Provided that applicants for a category AM driving licence

who have attained their sixteenth birthday shall be eligible to sit for

the theory test.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 19 Pass certificate in respect of the theory test. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

On successful completion of the theory part of the driving

test, the applicant shall be issued with a pass certificate.

Learner’s Permit (Standard)

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 20 Eligibility for a standard learner’s permit. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) Only applicants who have attained their eighteenth

birthday, other than those applying for a category A2 or a category

A licence, shall be entitled to a standard learner’s permit.

(2) A standard learner’s permit may also be issued to applicants

for a category A2 licence who have attained their twentieth

birthday and to applicants for a category A licence who have

attained their twenty-second birthday but having two years

experience in A2 or have attained their twenty-fourth birthday if

they do not have two years’ experience in A2.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 21 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The permit referred to in regulation 20 shall allow

applicants to practice driving on all days, excluding Sundays and

public holidays, under instruction, on public highways using motor

vehicles classified under categories A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, C1, C1E

and g.

Learner’s Permit (Advanced)

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 22 Eligibility for an advanced learner’s permit. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Only applicants, who are in possession of a valid driving

licence in category B and have held such licence for at least one (1)

month, shall be entitled to an advanced learner’s permit

Provided that applicants for a category C1 or category C1E

licence shall be exempt from the requirement of having held a

category B licence for at least one (1) month.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 23 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The permit referred to in regulation 22 shall allow

applicants to practice driving on all days, excluding Sundays and

public holidays, under instruction, on public highways using motor

vehicles classified under C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE

Provided that the Authority may, upon a request in writing

to that effect, authorise an approved driving instructor to give

driving instruction on Sundays and public holidays.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 23A Access to driving of a category A motorcycle. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(Deleted by Legal Notice 149 of 2013).

Test of Skills and Behaviour

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 24 Eligibility to sit for the test of skills and behaviour. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

A person may only sit for the test of skills and behaviour if

he is in possession of a pass certificate in the appropriate theory

part of the driving test.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 25 Syllabus of the test of skills and behaviour. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) The test of skills and behaviour shall be based on the

subjects contained in the Fifth Schedule.

(2) A person who is sitting for his test of skills and behaviour

may choose to be accompanied by a third party

Provided that such accompanying third party shall not,

throughout the duration of the test, communicate with the examiner

or the person doing the test, or act in any way that may interfere

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

with or influence the test procedure or outcome.

(3) A breach of the proviso of subregulation (2) shall lead, at

the examiner’s discretion, to the immediate interruption of the test

by the examiner and the recording of a negative result.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 26 Minimum technical requirements of vehicles. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The vehicles used in the test of skills and behaviour shall

(a) comply with the minimum technical requirements as

indicated in the Third Schedule,

(b) be covered by a valid VRT certificate,

(c) display a valid road licence disc,

(d) display the learner plates stipulated by regulation

50(1), and

(e) have a valid insurance covering the use of the said

vehicles for driving lessons and also for the Tests of

Skills and Behaviour.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 26A Tests to be carried out by examiners appointed by the Authority. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) The tests of skills and behaviour shall be carried out

by persons appointed by the Authority.

(2) No person may be appointed to carry out driving tests

unless that person meets the minimum standards of competence set

out in Annex IV of the Directive.

(3)

The Authority shall not appoint a person to act -

(a) as a category B driving examiner unless that person -

(i)

has held a category B driving licence for at least

three years,

(ii) is at least 23 years old,

(iii) has successfully completed an initial training

programme approved by the Authority and

demonstrates, by means of a test organised by

the Authority, that he meets the minimum

standards of competence in terms of sub-

regulation (2) and subsequently follows the

quality assurance and the periodic training

arrangements as provided for in Annex IV of the

Directive,

(iv) has completed a vocational education that leads

at least to a completion of level 3 defined by

Council

Decision

85/368/EEC

on

the

comparability

of

vocational

training

qualifications between the Member States of the

European Community, and

(v) when such person is acting simultaneously as a

commercial driving instructor in a driving

school;

(b) as a driving examiner for the other categories unless

that person -

(i)

holds a driving licence in the category

concerned or possesses equivalent knowledge

through adequate professional qualification,

(ii) has been a qualified category B driving

examiner for at least three years or has at least

five years’ experience of driving in the category

concerned or can provide evidence of a

theoretical and practical assessment of driving

ability of a standard higher than that needed to

obtain a driving licence, and

(iii) meets the provisions of paragraph (a)(iii), (iv)

and (v)

Provided that the Authority may authorise an examiner to

conduct driving tests for -

(a) categories A1, A2 and A upon passing the initial

qualification in terms of the provisions of paragraph

(a)(iii) for one of those categories,

(b) categories C1, C, D1 and D upon passing the initial

qualification in terms of the provisions of paragraph

(a)(iii) for one of those categories, and

(c) categories BE, C1E, CE, D1E and DE upon passing

the initial qualification in terms of the provisions of

paragraph (a)(iii) for one of those categories.

(4) Persons who have already been authorised to conduct

driving tests before the provision of sub-regulation (3) comes into

force, shall continue to be authorised to conduct driving tests

provided they undertake the periodic training as provided for in

sub-regulation (3).

P ART IV

CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 27 Certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) With effect from the 10th September, 2008, no person,

who obtains a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories D1,

D1+E, D, D+E or f, shall drive a vehicle in any of the said licence

categories unless that person is also in possession of a certificate of

professional competence certifying an initial qualification, issued

in accordance with regulation 29 or unless that person is an exempt

driver in accordance with regulation 28

Provided that drivers who, at the time of obtaining the

licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E

or f, are undergoing a national vocational training course lasting

between six months and three years may be allowed to drive such

vehicles before obtaining their certificate of professional

competence certifying an initial qualification

Provided further that drivers who on the 9th September,

2008 already hold a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories

D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f, shall be exempt from the requirement of

the certificate of professional competence until the 9th September,

2013. (2) With effect from the 10th September, 2009, no person, who

obtains a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories C1, C1+E,

C or C+E, shall drive a vehicle in any of the said licence categories

u n l e s s t h a t p e r s o n i s a l s o i n p o ss e s s i o n o f a c e r t i f i c a t e o f

MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES)

professional competence certifying an initial qualification, issued

in accordance with regulation 29 or unless he or she is an exempt

driver in accordance with regulation 28

Provided that drivers who, at the time of obtaining the

licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories C1, C1+E, C or

C+E, are undergoing a national vocational training course lasting

between six months and three years may be allowed to drive such

vehicles before obtaining their certificate of professional

competence certifying an initial qualification

Provided further that drivers who on the 9th September,

2009 already hold a licence to drive a vehicle in licence categories

C1, C1+E, C or C+E, shall be exempt from the requirement of the

certificate of professional competence until the 9th September,

2014.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 28 Exempt drivers. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The provisions of regulation 27 shall not apply to the

drivers of

(a)

vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not

exceeding forty-five (45) kilometres per hour;

(b)

vehicles used by, or under the control of, the

armed forces, civil defence, the fire and rescue service and

forces responsible for maintaining public order; and emergency

ambulance services, when the carriage is undertaken as a

consequence of the tasks assigned to those services;

(c)

vehicles undergoing road tests for technical

development, repair or maintenance purposes, or the drivers of

new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into

service;

(d)

vehicles for which a driving licence of category D

or D1 is required and which are driven without passengers by

maintenance personnel to or from a maintenance centre situated

in the vicinity of the nearest maintenance base which is used by

the transport operator, provided that driving the vehicle does

not constitute the driver's principal activity;

(e)

vehicles used in states of emergency or assigned

to rescue missions, including vehicles used in the non-

commercial transport of humanitarian aid;

(f)

vehicles used for driving instruction for, and

examination of, any person wishing to obtain a driving licence

or a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), in

accordance with regulation 29, provided that they are not being

used for the commercial carriage of goods and passengers;

(g)

vehicles used for non-commercial carriage of

passengers or goods; and

(h)

vehicles carrying material, equipment or

machinery to be used by the drivers in the course of their work,

provided that driving the vehicles is not the drivers’ principal

activity

Provided that paragraph (f) shall not apply to any person

wishing to obtain a driving licence or a Certificate of Professional

Competence (CPC), in accordance with regulation 29, when that

person is undergoing additional driving training during work-based

learning, where that person is accompanied by another person certified

by a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), or a driving

instructor, for the category of vehicle used for the purpose set out in

that paragraph.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 29 Qualifying for a certificate of professional competence certifying an initial qualification. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) Drivers shall only qualify for the certificate of

professional compete nce certify in g a n i ni ti al qu ali fi cati on

following the undertaking of theoretical and practical tests held by

the Authority or by a body so designated by the Authority, in

accordance with subsection 2.2 of Section 2 of the Thirteenth

Schedule.

(2) Upon the successful completion of the said tests, drivers

taking the qualification tests as provided for in sub-regulation (1)

shall be issued with a certificate of professional competence

certifying an initial qualification.

(3) The said certificate of professional competence certifying

an initial qualification shall be issued by the Authority or by the

body designated by it and shall be valid for five years.

(4) Drivers undertaking carriage of passengers who hold a

certificate of professional competence, certifying an initial

qualification, for one of the categories provided for in regulation

27(1) shall be exempt from obtaining such a certificate for any

other of the categories of vehicles referred to in that sub-regulation.

(5) Drivers undertaking carriage of goods who hold a

certificate of professional competence, certifying an initial

qualification, for one of the categories provided for in regulation

27(2) shall be exempt from obtaining such a certificate for any

other of the categories of vehicles referred to in that sub-regulation.

(6) Drivers undertaking the carriage of goods who broaden or

modify their activities in order to carry passengers, and drivers

undertaking the carriage of passengers who broaden or modify their

activities in order to carry goods, and who hold a certificate of

professional competence, shall not be required to repeat the

common parts of the initial qualification, but rather only the parts

specific to the new qualification.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 30 Compulsory periodic training. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) Drivers who obtain a driving licence and a certificate

of professional competence certifying an initial qualification -

(a) on the 10th September, 2008, or thereafter, to drive a

vehicle in licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f,

or

(b) on the 10th September, 2009, or thereafter, to drive a

vehicle in licence C1, C1+E, C or C+E,

s h a l l , w i t h i n f i v e y ea r s f r o m a c q u i r i n g t h e i r c e r t i f i c a t e o f

professional competence, certifying an initial qualification, and

every five years thereafter, follow a compulsory periodic training

course of a duration of thirty-five hours, given in periods of at least

seven hours, and based on the training requirements as provided for

in Section 1 of the Thirteenth Schedule.

(2)

Drivers who -

(a) on the 9th September, 2008 already hold a D1, D1+E,

D, D+E or f licence, or

(b) on the 9th September, 2009 already hold a C1, C1+E,

C or C+E licence,

shall, within five years from the said dates and every five years

thereafter, follow a compulsory periodic training course of a

duration of thirty-five hours, given in periods of at least seven

hours, and based on the training requirements as provided for in

Section 1 of the Thirteenth Schedule.

(3) The periodic training courses mentioned in the preceding

sub-regulations shall be organised by a training centre approved by

the Authority in accordance with Section 5 of the Thirteenth

Schedule.

(4) If a driver moves from one undertaking to another

undertaking, the periodic training already undergone shall be taken

into account.

(5) When a driver completes the periodic training, the

Authority or the approved training centre shall issue to the said

driver a certificate of professional competence certifying the

periodic training.

(6) A driver who has completed a first course of periodic

training shall undergo periodic training every five years, before the

end of the period of validity of the certificate of professional

competence certifying periodic training.

(7) Drivers who have completed a course of periodic training

for one of the licence categories D1, D1+E, D, D+E or f shall be

exempt from the obligation to undergo further periodic training for

another of those categories.

(8) Drivers who have completed a course of periodic training

for one of the licence categories C1, C1+E, C or C+E shall be

exempt from the obligation to undergo further periodic training for

another of those categories.

(9) Holders of a certificate of professional competence

certifying an initial qualification and holders of a certificate of

professional competence certifying periodic training who cease

pursuit of the occupation and do not meet the requirements of sub-

regulations (1), (2) and (6), shall undergo a course of periodic

training before resuming pursuit of the occupation.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 31 Place of training. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) A driver who is a national of Malta or of another

Member State but having his normal residence in Malta, and a

driver from third a country who is employed or used by an

undertaking established in Malta shall obtain the certificate of

professional competence certifying initial qualification, in Malta.

(2) A driver who is a national of Malta or of another Member

State but having his normal residence in Malta, and a driver from a

third country who is employed or used by an undertaking

established in Malta shall undergo their periodic training, referred

to in regulation 30, in Malta.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 32 Code indicating professional competence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

The code, provided for in the Seventh Schedule, indicating

that a driver is the holder of the certificate of professional

competence, shall be marked on the driver’s driving licence

Provided that where the driver is a national of a third

country who is employed or used by an undertaking established in

Malta to drive vehicles used for the carriage of goods, the said code

may be marked on the driver’s attestation issued by the Authority

in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Carriage of Goods by

Road) Regulations

Provided further that where the driver is a national of a

third country who is employed or used by an undertaking

established in Malta to drive vehicles used for the carriage of

passengers, the said code may be marked on the driver’s national

certificate where the certificate’s validity is recognised by Malta.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 32A Exchange of information of enforcement purposes. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

For enforcement purposes, the Authority shall exchange

information on CPCs issued or withdrawn with any other members of

the Member States

Provided that, processing of personal data obtained by the

Authority from a national contact point in another Member State or

personal data obtained by a competent authority in another Member

State from the Authority through automated searches shall be carried

out solely for the purpose of verifying compliance with the Directive,

in particular with regard to the training requirements laid down in the

Directive.

P ART V

DRIVING LICENCES

General provisions

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 33 Application for a driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) An application for the grant of a driving licence under

these regulations shall be made to the Authority on the appropriate

form, which shall be accompanied by a medical certificate and the

appropriate licence fee.

(2) A national driving licence holder may periodically be

re qu ired t o p r od uc e fu rt h er m e d i c a l ce rt i f i c a t e s as m a y b e

prescribed.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 34 Issue of driving licences. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Driving licences shall be issued only to those applicants -

(a) who have passed the theory test and the test of skills

and behaviour and who meet medical standards, in

accordance with the provisions of the Fourth, Fifth and

Eighth Schedules; and

(b) who have their normal residence in Malta, or can

produce evidence that they have been studying in

Malta for at least six months prior to the submission of

the application.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 34A Surrender of a driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) A holder of a valid driving licence who satisfies the

criteria for surrender of a driving licence as may be established by

the Authority under any scheme which may be issued from time to

time may return his driving licence to the Authority and commit not

to request the issuance of a new driving licence in his favour prior

to the expiration of the surrender period.

(2) Every application for the surrender of a valid driving

licence shall be made to the Authority on the prescribed form and

the applicant shall, together with such form, submit any documents

which may be required to show that the applicant satisfies the

requirements for eligibility.

(3) An application for the surrender of a driving licence shall

be processed and decided upon by the Authority.

(4) The decision of the Authority shall be sent by registered

post to the applicant at the address indicated in the application.

(5) When an application is accepted by the Authority, the

applicant shall be obliged to return to the Authority the documents

referred to in regulation 36(1) by not later than five (5) days from

the date when the Authority’s decision is communicated to him in

the manner specified in sub-regulation (4).

(6) An applicant whose application to surrender his driving

licence is accepted by the Authority shall not have the right to drive

any vehicle, whether in Malta or in any other country, during the

surrender period.

(7) After the lapse of the surrender period, a person who has

surrendered his driving licence may request the issuance of a new

driving licence in his favour without the need to satisfy the

requirements established in regulation 16

Provided that such person shall be obliged to attend a

number of hours of driving tuition, as may be established by the

Authority from time to time, at a licensed motoring school and to

provide documentary evidence of such attendance to the Authority

prior to being issued with a new driving licence.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 34B Driver permits. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) Upon surrender of a valid driving licence, any driver

permits issued to such person to drive any taxi, public passenger

transport vehicle, light passenger transport vehicle and, or any

other vehicle which may only be driven with a valid driving

licence, shall automatically be revoked and such person shall not

have the right to make use of such driver permits for the surrender

period.

(2) Where a holder of a driving licence who decides to

surrender his driving licence also holds a driver’s permit issued by

the Authority to drive any particular category of vehicles, such

person shall, together with the application which shall be submitted

on the prescribed form and the return to the Authority of the

documents referred to in regulation 36(1), shall also return to the

Authority all driver tags in his possession.

(3) After the lapse of the surrender period and the issuance of a

new driving licence in accordance with regulations 34A(7), a

person who also surrendered a driver’s permit to the Authority,

shall be obliged to apply with the Authority on the prescribed form

and subject to the provision of all necessary documentation for the

issuance of a new driver’s permit.

(4) Following the submission of such application, the Authority

shall issue a new driver’s permit to the applicant only upon verifying

and confirming that the applicant still satisfies all other requirements

established under the applicable legislation, including the requirement

of good conduct and repute, for the driver’s permit to be issued once

again in favour of such person.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 35 Drivers of public transport vehicles to be authorised by the Authority. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

A national driving licence holder shall not drive a public

transport vehicle unless authorised to do so by the Authority and

the relevant information code is entered in his driving licence.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36 Photocard and counterpart driving licences. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) The driving licence shall consist of two documents,

namely, the photocard driving licence based on the model set out in

Annex I to the Directive and the counterpart driving licence.

(2) Both the photocard and counterpart driving licences shall

be produced at any time when requested by either the Police or a

court or a Commissioner of Justice or the Authority.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36A Applicability of penalty points system to holder of full driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Without prejudice to the other provisions of these

regulations on the penalty points system applicable to probationary

driving licences, and save as otherwise provided in regulation 36D,

a penalty points system shall apply to the holders of a full driving

licence.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36B Recording of the penalty points on the counterpart of full driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) For each contravention, penalty points, as indicated in

the Sixth Schedule, shall be imposed by the Court of Magistrates or

by the Commissioners for Justice, as the case may be, and recorded

in a computerised database established for this purpose by the

Authority.

(2) Where the holder admits the offence and pays the relative

pecuniary penalty in accordance with the special procedure

established in article 62 of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or in

article 14 of the Commissioners for Justice Act, as the case may be,

the Authority shall record in a computerised database established

for this purpose, the minimum penalty points as indicated in the

Sixth Schedule for the particular offence.

(3) When a holder of a full driving licence is requested to

appear before a court or tribunal on charges of having committed

any of the offences included in the Sixth Schedule, he shall be in

possession of the driving licence and the presiding Magistrate or

Commissioner for Justice shall have the power to confiscate the

said licence if the aggregate penalty points resulting from the

database established by the Authority together with the penalty

points awarded by the judgement delivered by such Magistrate or

Commissioner for Justice add up to twelve or more accumulated

during the preceding period of twelve months

Provided that the confiscation of the licence shall not come

into effect in the event that the convicted person declares that he or

she intends to appeal from the judgment or to file a petition in front

of the Petitions Board. The declaration is to be made in writing by

means of a note which is to be held in the records of the registrar of

the court or tribunal, as the case may be, and which is to be

communicated to the Authority which shall then register this fact in

the computerized database which shall be established for this

purpose".

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36C Revocation of driving licence on exceeding the maximum penalty points permissible. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

A full driving licence shall be revoked if at any time during

any period of twelve months, its holder accumulates in aggregate

twelve penalty points or more.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36D Possibility to reduce number of penalty points. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Any holder of a full driving licence or of a probationary

driving licence may have the number of penalty points recorded in

his entry reduced by 50% at any time if he or she attends a safety

awareness course approved by the Authority and passes a test

which shall be prepared by the Authority for this purpose. A person

may only take such course every two years.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36E Effects of revocation and re- application for a driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) The following rules shall apply to a driver whose full

driving licence has been revoked in virtue of regulation 36C

(a) where the driving licence has been revoked for the first time

the driver shall, upon his application, be granted a new driving

licence after the expiration of a period of two months from the said

revocation without the need to sit for a driving test;

(b) where the driving licence has been revoked for the second

time within a period of three years the driver may only apply for a

new driving licence after the expiration of a period of two months

from such revocation by submitting a fresh application in terms of

Part III;

(c) where the driving licence has been revoked for a third time

within a period of five years the driver may only apply for a new

driving licence by submitting a fresh application in terms of Part III

after the expiration of a period of one year from such revocation or

of such other shorter period, not being less than six months, as the

Administrative Review Tribunal may, upon the application of the

driver, determine;

(d) where the driving licence has been revoked for a fourth time

within a period of seven years the driver may only apply for a new

driving licence by submitting a fresh application in terms of Part III

if so authorised by the Administrative Review Tribunal, which

authorisation may not be granted before the expiration of a period

of two years from such revocation.

(2) The application which may be submitted in terms of

paragraphs (c) and, or (d) of sub-regulation (1) shall be filed by the

driver whose driving licence will have been so revoked as an

appeal from the last decision of the Authority notifying him with

the revocation of his driving licence.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 36F Penalty points may only be imposed on driver. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

Penalty points both with regard to a probationary driving

licence and with regard to a full driving licence may be imposed

only in respect of the driving licence of the person who shall have

committed the contravention giving rise to the penalty points and

nothing in these regulations shall be interpreted as authorizing the

imposition of penalty points on the driving licence of a person only

by reason of the fact that the motor vehicle by means of which a

contravention was committed is registered in that person’s name.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 37 Duplicate driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (2), an

application for the issue of a duplicate of the original driving

licence may be made to the Authority, if a valid driving licence has

been lost or defaced.

(2) The Authority shall, subject to the provisions of these

regulations, issue a duplicate driving licence; and such driving

licence shall be marked “duplicate”, and shall have the same effect

as the original driving licence.

(3) Duplicate driving licences will also be issued whenever

there is a change in the data contained in the photocard driving

licence.

(4) The duplicate driving licence shall be issued against an

administration charge as specified in the Ninth Schedule.

Probationary driving licence

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 38 Eligibility for a probationary driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

New drivers who pass their driving tests shall be granted a

probationary driving licence, against payment, for a period of three

years. The probationary driving licence shall consist of two parts,

namely a plastic photocard and its paper counterpart.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 39 Applicability of a penalty point system. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

A penalty point system shall apply for all drivers holding a

probationary driving licence.

Laws of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation 65.18 — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS

Reg. 40 Recording of the penalty points on the counterpart driving licence. — MOTOR VEHICLES (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS Open official source

(1) For each contravention, penalty points, as indicated in the

Sixth Schedule, shall be imposed by the Court of Magistrates or by the

Commissioners for Justice, as the case may be, in a computerised

database established for this purpose by the Authority.

(2) Where the holder admits the offence and pays the relative

pecuniary penalty in accordance with the special procedure

established in article 62 of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance or in

article 14 of the Commissioners for Justice Act, as the case may be,

the Authority shall record, in a computerised database established

for this purpose by the Authority, the minimum penalty points as

indicated in the Sixth Schedule for the particular offence.

(3) When a holder of a probationary driving licence is

requested to appear before a court or tribunal on charges of having

committed any of the offences included in the Sixth Schedule, he

shall be in possession of the said driving licence and the presiding

Magistrate or Commissioner for Justice shall have the power to

confiscate the said licence if the aggregate penalty points resulting

from the database established by the Authority, together with the

p ena lt y poi nt s a warde d b y th e ju dg men t de li vered by su ch

Magistrate or Commissioner for Justice add up to twelve or more