The concept of normal residence should be established in a way that enables issues that arise to be resolved where it is not possible to establish normal residence on the basis of occupational or personal ties. The rule that driving licences may be issued only by the Member State of normal residence could represent a disproportionate language barrier in certain cases. Therefore, in cases where the Member State of normal residence does not provide the opportunity to take tests in the official language of the Member State of which the applicant is a citizen, it should be possible that the applicant take the theory test or practical test, or both, in the Member State of the applicant’s citizenship. That derogation should not prevent Member States from taking action against abuse or fraud which might develop around the new flexibility. Specific rules should be established for diplomats and their families, where the diplomat’s professional obligations require them to live abroad for an extended period of time.
Text as published in the Official Journal, reproduced verbatim (including any typographical quirks of the source). For the authentic version, see EUR-Lex.
