The European Parliament today approved modernised rules for driving licences in the European Union, which introduce a new digital format, stricter requirements for novice drivers and a longer validity of the documents. The aim is to increase road safety and reduce the number of road fatalities in the EU, which still reaches nearly 20,000 deaths per year.
According to the adopted texts, driving licences for cars and motorcycles will be valid for 15 years, and for trucks and buses - five years. Member States may reduce the validity to 10 years if the document also serves as a national identity card.
Drivers will have to undergo a medical examination when first issued or renewed, including a vision and cardiovascular health check. At the discretion of individual countries, the medical examinations may be replaced by self-assessment forms or other national assessment systems.
For drivers over 65, EU countries will be able to introduce shorter periods of validity and more frequent medical check-ups or refresher courses.
Probationary period and tougher penalties for beginners
For the first time, European law introduces a mandatory probationary period of at least two years for new drivers. During this period, they will be subject to more severe penalties for violations such as driving after drinking alcohol, not wearing a seat belt or not having child restraint systems.
Young people aged 17 will be able to obtain a driving license (category B), but will have to drive with an accompanying experienced driver until they reach the age of majority.
In the professional sector, the new rules allow 18-year-olds to drive trucks (category C) and 21-year-olds to drive buses (category D), if they hold a certificate of professional competence. Without it, the age thresholds remain 21 and 24 years respectively.
New standards in driver training
Driving exams will be updated, now including recognition of the risks of "blind spots", knowledge of driver assistance systems, safe door opening and the dangers of distraction when using a mobile phone.
In addition, greater emphasis will be placed on behavior towards vulnerable road users - pedestrians, children and cyclists. According to the rapporteur on the subject, Jutta Paulus (Greens, Germany), the aim is for new drivers to be not only better prepared technically, but also more aware of their social responsibility on the road.
Digital driving licence, accessible via phone
One of the key innovations is the introduction of a digital driving licence, accessible via mobile phone, which will gradually become the main format across the EU.
However, drivers will have the right to choose - they can request a physical licence, which must be issued without undue delay and usually within three weeks.
The digital format will facilitate checks, reduce administrative costs and allow for a faster exchange of information between countries.
End of unpunished violations abroad
The new rules also remove the possibility for a driver who has been disqualified from driving in one EU country to continue driving in another.
Decisions to temporarily or permanently withdraw a driving licence will be automatically transferred to the country that issued the document, to ensure cross-border enforcement of sanctions.
National authorities will be obliged to cooperate and exchange data without delay for the most serious offences - drink-driving, driving after using drugs, being involved in a fatal accident or speeding by more than 50 km/h.
"Today we have taken an important step towards improving road safety," commented the rapporteur on sanctions, Matteo Ricci (S&D, Italy). "Clearer criteria for withdrawing licences and their faster implementation will protect not only responsible drivers, but also society as a whole."
Next steps
The new rules will enter into force 20 days after their publication in the EU Official Journal.
Member states will have three years to transpose them into national law, and another year for technical preparation and adaptation of systems.
The updated provisions are part of the road safety package presented by the European Commission in 2023. The aim is to reduce the number of deaths on EU roads to zero by 2050 - an ambitious strategy known as "Vision Zero" or "Zero fatalities".