Commission welcomes provisional agreement on modernized driving licences rules

The European Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached on 24 March between the European Parliament and the Council on its initiative to modernize EU driving licence rules.

The new Directive on driving licences aims to reduce the number of crashes on EU roads and to cut undue burdens on citizens and authorities related to administrative procedures. To achieve these goals, the Directive contains several key elements, including the introduction of digital EU driving licences that can be accessed on mobile phones or other digital devices, and used throughout the entire EU. The EU aims to be a pioneer in digital transformation. As part of this effort, the Commission welcomes the co-legislators' decision to establish the legal framework for a Union-wide mutually recognised mobile driving license. It regrets, however, that the introduction of such provisions is to be delayed until 2030. The Commission would have liked to see a higher level of ambition.

Additionally, an EU-wide accompanied driving scheme will be introduced for 17-year-old drivers, a measure that has been proven to significantly improve road safety. This scheme may also be extended to 17-year-old lorry drivers under certain conditions.

The new Directive also includes an EU-wide probationary period for novice drivers, a measure aiming to reduce the risk of crashes among new drivers. Given that 2 out of 5 fatal collisions involve drivers under 30, this measure is particularly important. Furthermore, the Directive will introduce new requirements on physical and mental fitness to drive.

The safety of pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and other micromobility users is also a priority in the new Directive. Drivers will need to prove their risk awareness of these vulnerable road users, when taking their theory and practical tests. The new rules will also enable the recognition of licences issued in specific third countries that have a road safety framework similar to the EU.

Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas (pictured) welcomed the agreement: "These updated driving licence rules mark a major step forward in modernizing our licencing system and enhancing road safety across the EU. From the introduction of digital driving licences to measures that support young drivers, this agreement paves the way for a more accessible, efficient, and safer mobility system. Most importantly, it will help us reduce fatalities on EU roads, bringing us closer to our Vision Zero goal."

The European Parliament and the Council will now formally adopt the new Directive, which will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will have four years to transpose the Directive into national legislation.

More information is available here.

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