Issued sooner, valid for longer, and digital: EU reaches agreement on driver’s licenses

Brussels – Permission to drive as early as 17, harmonized equal rules for test driving periods for everyone, and standard minimum fitness requirements in the 27 member states. The EU Council and Parliament agree on the proposed amendment to the directive for driver’s licenses, which will reshape the lives of Europeans in cars and beyond. From digital licenses to the ability to drive a truck as early as age 18, the European Union is revolutionizing the driving concept.

The new licenses

News in sight for newly licensed drivers: before getting the first license, one must pass a medical checkup, including eyesight and cardiovascular condition. It is a requirement for ‘heavy’ categories (trailers, trucks, articulated vehicles). For permits used to drive cars or motorcycles, EU countries may choose to replace the medical checkup with self-assessment forms or, in the case of driver’s license renewal, other alternative measures.

The inter-institutional agreement (provisional, to be formally approved by the House of Parliament and ministers) also aims to address the problem of the shortage of professional drivers. To this end, the agreement lowers the minimum age for obtaining a truck driver’s license from 21 to 18 and a bus driver’s license from 24 to 21, provided that the applicant holds a certificate of professional competence. Governments can allow 17-year-olds to drive a truck or van only on their territory if accompanied by an experienced driver. The accompanied driver system will apply more widely throughout the territory of the European Union for motorists.

Stricter rules for newly licensed drivers

For the first time, EU regulations will set a test period of at least two years for new drivers everywhere. New drivers will be subject to stricter rules and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without seat belts or child restraints. In the inter-institutional negotiations, the European Parliament demanded and obtained encouragement to pursue a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol and drugs, banning use for all drivers.

Driver’s license for cars can last up to 15 years

Negotiators from Parliament and the Council agreed that driver’s licenses for motorcycles and automobiles should be valid for 15 years. EU countries may reduce this period to 10 years if the license can be used as a national identity document (as in the case of Italy). At the same time, licenses for trucks and buses will have to be renewed every five years. EU countries may shorten the validity of licenses (65 years and older) for older drivers.

Coming soon: the digital driver’s license

Another significant change concerns the format of driving permits: By the end of 2030, a uniform mobile driver’s license will be available to all EU citizens, inserted in the future European digital identity portfolio. ADigital licenses will become the leading model at the European level, available on a smartphone, without prejudice to the right to always request a physical copy of the document. The digital driver’s license will be recognized everywhere in the EU, overcoming the problem associated with conversions. Member states will have five years and six months from the entry into force of the new rules to develop the new digital license, which is more time than it will take to comply with the latest regulations. The amendment of the driver’s license directive will take four years from the final approval of the provisional agreement.