It will become more difficult for Belarusians to find a job as a bus driver in the EU, and there will be fewer offers. Here's the problem

Illustrative photo. Photo: Getty Images / Zoomstudio

A new reality for European carriers

From July 1, 2026, new mobility rules regulating the work of drivers will come into force in the European Union.

The main changes concern vehicles with a permissible maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons (vans under Category B).

According to the new regulations, almost all minibuses with a total weight of more than 2.5 tons must now be equipped with a modern second-generation intelligent tachograph.

To use it, the driver must have not only a Category B license but also a special "driver's chip card."

Therefore, Belarusians, like other aspiring drivers in the European Union, will first have to obtain this card, as working without it is prohibited.

How to get a chip card?

Before applying for a driver's card, which will allow them to work, applicants must undergo a medical examination and pass psychotests.

For example, in Poland, you can apply for a chip card both online and via regular mail. Applications submitted electronically are reviewed within seven working days, while those submitted in paper form take up to 30 days.

The card is paid, costing 172.2 zlotys (about 40 euros).

At the same time, drivers of Category B do not need to undergo special training or obtain additional certificates. But they will have to spend some time watching videos with instructions on how to use the tachograph.

It is also necessary to thoroughly study the working and rest hours to avoid violating the rules and incurring fines.

Павялічыць

Illustrative photo. Photo: Getty Images / Matsou

What else will the new mobility package bring?

In addition to employment becoming slightly more complicated and longer, drivers' working hours will completely change. They will now work on the same schedule as Category C/CE truck drivers.

Previously, for vans under Category B, a tachograph was not mandatory. But in some countries, like Germany, it was necessary to keep paper records of work and rest. And since papers could be rewritten, bus drivers very often had significant overtime.

In some EU countries, even paper tachographs were not required, so overtime for Category B bus drivers was a common occurrence.

It is precisely because of this that the regulator lowered the threshold from 3.5 to 2.5 tons for working without a tachograph.

Fewer opportunities with Category B

On the other hand, this leads to a reduction in the amount of work available for vans, as some transport companies have abandoned this format of transportation or at least reduced the number of such vehicles in their fleet, preferring vans and trucks under Category C.

Therefore, finding a job as a van driver with only a B category license will become more difficult.

Павялічыць

Illustrative photo. Photo: Nasha Niva

Is there a way out?

But not everyone is ready to give up transportation without overtime. Small trucks with a total permissible weight of up to 2.5 tons are being actively promoted on the European market.

Such a vehicle does not require the installation of a tachograph, so, as before, goods can be delivered with it without regard to working and rest hours.

Despite a total permissible weight of 2490 kilograms, some of these trucks have a large cargo compartment for 5 Euro pallets and a load capacity of about 900 kilograms.

Павялічыць

Piaggio Porter NP6. Photo: otomoto.pl

It is clear that such a relatively high load capacity was achieved by reducing the weight of the minibus itself. Therefore, the cabin of the Piaggio Porter NP6 is cramped, like in a subcompact car.

And so is the sleeping compartment. And so that a more or less tall driver does not have to bend their knees, the sleeper even has a fold-out footwell.

We previously wrote about how to become a truck driver in Europe and how much it costs.

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