Brussels: MEPs have endorsed a comprehensive revision of EU driving licence regulations, incorporating new measures for novice drivers, the introduction of digital licences, and enhanced cross-border enforcement of driving disqualifications.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the update to the EU driving licence rules aims to bolster road safety, addressing the significant number of nearly 20,000 fatalities occurring annually on EU roads.
The revised regulations introduce new training requirements for obtaining a driving licence, now mandating knowledge of blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, safe door opening practices, and the dangers of phone usage while driving. These changes, driven by MEPs’ demands, emphasize the importance of risk awareness concerning pedestrians, children, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
Licences for motorcycles and cars will now be valid for 15 years, although member states may reduce this to 10 years if the licence serves as a national ID. Meanwhile, licences for trucks and buses will remain valid for five years. For drivers aged 65 or older, EU countries have the flexibility to impose more frequent medical checks or refresher courses by reducing the validity period.
A medical check, including eyesight and cardiovascular condition tests, will be required before obtaining or renewing a driving licence. EU countries may choose to replace this with self-assessment forms or other national assessment systems for car drivers or motorcycle riders.
Novice drivers will face a probationary period of at least two years, during which they will be subject to stricter rules and penalties for infractions such as driving under the influence or failing to use safety belts. Additionally, 17-year-olds may obtain a car licence but must drive with an experienced driver until reaching 18.
To address a shortage of professional drivers, the new rules permit 18-year-olds to acquire a truck licence and 21-year-olds a bus licence, provided they possess a professional competence certificate. Otherwise, individuals must be 21 and 24, respectively, to drive these vehicles.
The updated regulations also introduce a digital driving licence, accessible via mobile phones, which is set to become the standard format in the EU. Nonetheless, MEPs have ensured that drivers retain the option to request a physical driving licence, which should be issued promptly, typically within three weeks.
To enhance cross-border enforcement, driving licence suspensions, withdrawals, or restrictions will be communicated to the EU country that issued the licence. National authorities will need to promptly share information regarding driving disqualifications resulting from serious traffic offences, such as drink or drug driving, involvement in fatal incidents, or excessive speeding.
EP rapporteurs Jutta Paulus and Matteo Ricci highlighted the benefits of the new directive, emphasizing the introduction of digital licences, improved safety education, and a more robust monitoring and enforcement system to enhance road safety and prevent accidents.
The new rules will come into effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. EU countries have a three-year window to transpose these provisions into national law, with an additional year to prepare for their implementation. The revised driving licence rules are part of a broader road safety initiative aiming to achieve zero fatalities in EU road transport by 2050, aligning with the “Vision Zero” goal.