EU driving license: digital, stricter rules enforced
The European Union is preparing major changes to driving licenses, following an agreement between the EU Parliament and Council to update the European directive.
The new rules, aimed at increasing road safety, introduce the digital driving license, a mandatory probationary period for new drivers, and stricter rules on alcohol consumption.
Here are the most important changes:
- Digital driving license valid EU-wide: The driving license will be accessible digitally, directly on smartphones, via a digital wallet across all member states. EU member states will have five and a half years to implement this measure. However, drivers will still be able to request the license in physical format.
- Stricter rules for new drivers: For the first time, a mandatory probationary period of at least two years will be implemented for new drivers. They will be sanctioned more severely for driving under the influence of alcohol or for not using a seat belt. The EU also promotes a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol and drug use while driving.
- Minimum age for professional drivers lowered: To address the shortage of professional drivers, the minimum age to obtain a truck license is reduced from 21 to 18, and for bus licenses from 24 to 21, provided they hold a certificate of professional competence. Also, states may allow 17-year-olds to drive trucks in the presence of an experienced driver.
- New training requirements for future drivers: To obtain a license, trainees must learn about safe phone use in traffic, blind spot awareness, driving assistance systems, safe door opening, and driving in winter or on slippery roads.
- Validity period and medical checks: Car and motorcycle licenses will have a 15-year validity, and truck and bus licenses – five years. EU states can shorten the validity for drivers over 65. Before obtaining the first license, a medical check is required, but member countries can also opt for self-assessments or other alternative measures upon renewal.
The agreement must be adopted by the European Parliament and the EU Council, a mere formality after a compromise has been reached.
In 2024, 19,800 people died in road accidents across the European Union, a slight 3 percentage point decrease from the previous year.
The safest roads in Europe are in Sweden and Denmark, with 20 and 24 deaths per 1 million inhabitants, respectively, while Bulgaria and Romania are at the bottom of the ranking, with 74 and 77 deaths per 1 million inhabitants, respectively, according to Agerpres.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
