Driving licences

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution approving the Council's position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences, amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Directive (EU) 2022/2561 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulation (EU) No 383/2012.

The proposed directive aims to modernise the European driving licence framework in order to improve road safety, facilitate free movement and support the sustainability and digital transformation of road transport.

The main elements of the Council's position are as follows:

Validity

The default validity period for driving licences is 15 years. Member States may reduce this period to ten years when the licence is also used as an identity card. They may reduce the validity period of the licence when the holder reaches the age of 65.

Medical visits

Before obtaining their first licence or when applying for a renewal, drivers will be required to undergo a medical check, which includes eye and cardiovascular tests. EU countries may choose to replace the medical examination for car or motorcycle drivers with self-assessment forms or other assessment systems developed at the national level.

Inexperienced drivers

For novice drivers who obtain a driving licence for the first time, a probationary period of at least two years is provided, during which stricter rules or sanctions will have to apply to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Accompanied driving

Member States must introduce an EU-wide accompanied driving scheme for driving licence Category B (cars), while the scheme remains optional for Categories C, C1 and C1E (trucks).

Subject to conditions, holders of a category B driving licence may drive emergency vehicles, motorhomes or alternatively fuelled vehicles that are heavier than 3 500 kg or 4 250 kg when combined with a trailer (for up to a maximum of 5000 kg depending on the vehicle).

The minimum age for professional bus drivers is set at 21, regardless of whether they complete the accelerated or standard initial qualification. A targeted derogation will allow Member States, subject to prior agreement from the Commission and under strict conditions, to lower the minimum age for issuing a category B1 licence to 15 years.

New training requirements

The driving test will now also cover blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, safe opening of doors, and phone usage distraction risks. Emphasis will be placed on raising awareness of the risks faced by pedestrians, children, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Mobile driving license

Member States will introduce and mutually recognise an EU mobile driving licence by the end of 2030 at the latest. The Commission will examine whether it is possible to bring forward this implementation date. Drivers will have the right to apply for a physical licence, which should be issued without undue delay and in general within three weeks.