Few people were aware of it, but anyone using a company vehicle for carpooling was required to visit an authorized physician every 3 to 5 years, depending on their age, to receive a “certificate of suitability to drive”. A prior visit to an ophthalmologist was also mandatory. Persons aged over 50 attending their first medical examination also had to undergo an electrocardiogram carried out by a cardiologist or general practitioner.

This onerous procedure was cancelled by the State Secretary for Mobility, Etienne Schouppe, on 15 November 2008. This will, no doubt, be welcomed by both employers and employees. Effectively, holders of a category B driving license no longer need to submit to unpleasant medical examinations in order to obtain a date of validity in the “paid transport” section of their driving license. Furthermore, it should be noted that the absence of this attestation was considered equivalent to driving without a valid license, which is an offence that could have resulted in a fine of EUR 1.000 for the driver and EUR 500 for the employer.