GUERNSEY has not signed up to newly-passed EU driving licence changes that automatically stop people banned from driving in one member state from getting a new licence in another. Brussels passed the changes in March in a bid to prevent ‘licence shopping’.

Environment minister Bernard Flouquet said his department had previously given its support to the concept of mutual recognition of driving disqualifications.

‘However, this cannot take place until such time as appropriate legislation is put in place. Accordingly, driving convictions currently imposed on a Guernsey licence holder in a foreign country will not affect their ability to drive in Guernsey. Equally, sentences for offences committed by foreign licence holders in Guernsey will not have any effect anywhere other than in the island.

‘With the proposed exception of a forthcoming agreement between Ireland and Great Britain, this situation is currently mirrored elsewhere in Europe at this time.’

Deputy Flouquet said that because Guernsey was not part of the EU, it was not subject to changes in its legislation.

‘However, at the same time, the department appreciates it is desirable to ensure that Guernsey licences continue to benefit from a level of reciprocity of exchange in Europe and thus our licensing systems should not diverge unduly without good cause.

‘It is worth noting that although the proposals in the EU third directive on driving licences have received agreement within the EU, even in those countries relevant changes will not be required to domestic legislation for some time – I believe 2011.’

The changes also see the age at which people could take tests for the most powerful motorcycles rise from 21 to 24.

Strict age limits would also be imposed on less-powerful bikes that would see riders under 24 take a test every time they move up the scale.

The changes also include the requirement that bus and lorry drivers under the age of 45 renew their licence every five years rather than every 10.

They would also have to declare their good health.

Deputy Flouquet said Environment’s recently-debated road transport strategy recognised the need to undertake a review of existing policies and legislation relating to driver licensing age requirements. He said it would report back to the States in due course and that it would be inappropriate for him to pre-empt that review.

‘The department will continue to monitor developments in driving licence legislation in the EU and will take such steps as it considers necessary to ensure that Guernsey legislation remains broadly compatible with that in operation elsewhere in Europe.’