eu driver’s license rules revised

The EU has revised its driving license rules to improve road safety, embrace digital transition, and reduce administrative burdens. These revisions include updates to validity limits, mandatory health checks, and new measures for novice drivers. Key Changes and Objectives Road Safety: The primary goal is to reduce road fatalities, aiming for zero deaths by 2050, with a 50% reduction by 2030. Digitalization: Introduction of digital driving licenses accessible via smartphones, intended to simplify administrative procedures and facilitate easier license replacement, renewal, and exchange within the EU. Novice Drivers: Implementation of a probationary period of at least two years for new drivers, with stricter rules and sanctions. Health Checks: Mandatory health checks are required for license issuance and renewal. Accompanied Driving: An EU-wide accompanied driving scheme allows 17-year-olds to drive cars under supervision, with potential extension to lorry drivers under certain conditions. Specific Updates Digital Driving Licenses: Digital licenses will be available on mobile phones or other digital devices and issued into the EU Digital Identity Wallet. Physical licenses will still be available upon request. Validity: Licenses for motorcycles, cars, and tractors will be valid for at least 15 years. Licenses for trucks and buses will be valid for five years, with some exceptions. Novice Drivers: Inexperienced drivers will face a probationary period with restrictions, such as stricter penalties for unsafe driving and a low alcohol limit. Professional Drivers: To address driver shortages, 18-year-olds may obtain licenses to drive trucks or buses with up to 16 passengers if they hold a certificate of professional competence; otherwise, the age limit is 21. Seventeen-year-olds may be eligible for truck licenses if accompanied by an experienced driver. Skills and Awareness: Driver training and testing will adapt to better prepare drivers for real-world situations, emphasizing risk awareness, especially concerning vulnerable road users. Tests will cover safe phone usage, driving in adverse conditions, blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, and vehicle emissions. Vulnerable Road Users: New rules prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and micromobility users, adjusting training and testing requirements accordingly. Vehicle Advancements: Licensing rules will align with technical advancements in vehicles, including testing knowledge and skills related to advanced driving assistance systems. Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Category B license holders can drive alternatively fueled vehicles, including emergency vehicles, up to 4.25 tonnes. Third-Country Licenses: The EU will recognize licenses issued in exchange for licenses from specific third countries with similar road safety frameworks. License Acquisition: Citizens can obtain their driving license in their home member state if their country of residence does not offer translation or interpretation in their EU language for category B licenses. Implementation and Next Steps The new directive has been formally adopted and will be applicable in member states within four years, except for rules on alternatively powered vehicles and accompanied driving, which will be implemented sooner. Member states must transpose the directive into their national legislation.