Modernising EU driving rules to improve road safety

On Tuesday, the European Parliament confirmed an update of the rules governing driving licences in the EU. The aim: to contribute to road safety and reduce the number of accidents that claim almost 20,000 lives on EU roads each year.

New training requirements

To obtain a driving licence, the test will have to include knowledge of the risks of blind spots, driver assistance systems, safe opening of doors and the risks of distraction from using the phone. At the initiative of MEPs, the new training and testing requirements will put more emphasis on raising awareness of the risks associated with pedestrians, children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Validity and medical examinations

Driving licences for motorbikes and cars must be valid for fifteen years, with the possibility for Member States to limit this to ten years if the licence is also used as a national identity card. Licences for lorries and buses will be valid for five years. National authorities will be able to shorten the validity of licences for those over 65 years of age, in order to subject them to more frequent medical checks or refresher courses.

Before obtaining their first driving licence or when applying for a renewal, drivers will have to undergo a medical examination, including tests of their eyesight and cardiovascular fitness. EU countries may replace the medical examination for car or motorbike drivers with self-assessment forms or another system designed at national level.

Novice and accompanied drivers

For the first time, EU rules will provide for a probationary period of at least two years for new drivers, who will face stricter rules and tougher penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and not using seat belts or child restraint systems.

In addition, 17 year olds will be able to obtain a car driving licence (category B), but will have to be accompanied by an experienced driver until they turn 18.

To alleviate the shortage of professional drivers, the new rules will allow 18 year olds to obtain a licence to drive lorries (category C) and 21 year olds to drive buses (category D), provided they have a certificate of professional competence. Otherwise, they will have to be 21 and 24 respectively to drive these vehicles.

New digital driving licence

Under the new rules, the electronic version of the driving licence, accessible from a mobile phone, will gradually become the main driving licence format in the EU. However, MEPs guaranteed the right of drivers to apply for a physical licence, which must be issued without undue delay and generally within three weeks.

Withdrawal of the licence

In order to reduce reckless driving abroad, the decision to withdraw, suspend or restrict driving licences will be transferred to the issuing EU country, in order to ensure cross-border enforcement of sanctions. National authorities will have to inform each other, without undue delay, of driving disqualification decisions related to the most serious traffic offences, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, involvement in a fatal traffic incident or speeding (e.g. driving 50 km/h above the speed limit).

Statements by the rapporteurs

Jutta Paulus (Greens, Germany), responsible for the draft directive on driving licences, said: “The directive introduces the new digital licence, but citizens will have the possibility to choose the physical licence as well. Training courses will put more emphasis on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. There will be fewer obstacles for volunteers, such as firefighters and rescue workers, to drive emergency vehicles. In addition, new rules on training and recognition should make transport professions more attractive and accessible. Citizens across Europe will benefit directly from these tangible improvements”.

Matteo Ricci (S&D, Italy), in charge of the directive on driving disqualifications, underlined: “Today we take an important step forward in improving road safety. By introducing clearer and more timely criteria for withdrawing the right to drive in case of serious offences, we protect not only responsible drivers but the whole community. A stronger and more effective monitoring and enforcement system will help prevent accidents and save lives.

Next steps

The new rules will enter into force 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. EU countries will have three years to transpose these new provisions into national law and an additional year to prepare for their implementation.

Context

The revised EU driving licence rules are part of a road safety package presented by the Commission in March 2023, which aims to improve safety for all road users and to get as close as possible to the target of zero fatalities in EU road transport by 2050 (“Vision Zero”).

Further information: European Parliament