European Union adopts new driving license rules: what will change

Last week, the European Parliament approved a number of key amendments concerning driving licenses and road safety throughout the European Union. The document introduces significant changes aimed at reducing the number of serious road accidents.

Firstly, a mandatory two-year probationary period has been introduced for new drivers. During this period, drivers will be subject to stricter regulations. For instance, driving without a seatbelt, using a mobile phone while driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol will result in harsher penalties.

Secondly, age requirements for obtaining certain license categories have been modified. Students aged 17 may now obtain a category B (car) license only under the supervision of an experienced driver until they turn 18. From 18, it is possible to obtain a category C (truck) license, and from 21 — a category D (bus) license, provided a professional certificate is obtained. Without such a certificate, the minimum ages remain 21 and 24 respectively.

The validity period of driving licenses has also been revised: for cars and motorcycles — up to 15 years; for trucks and buses — up to 5 years, with possible shorter terms for drivers over 65 and tighter medical supervision.

One of the most notable innovations is the introduction of a digital driving license. It will be available on mobile devices and will gradually replace the traditional plastic version, although the paper format will remain valid if preferred by the driver.

Additionally, an efficient information exchange mechanism between EU member states has been introduced: if a driver is disqualified or banned in one country, the decision will automatically be transmitted to the country that issued the license. This will prevent cases where a driver banned in one country simply reissues a license elsewhere and continues to drive.

EU member states have three years to implement the new rules into national legislation and one additional year to prepare the necessary infrastructure.

The reforms aim to advance the EU’s strategic goal of reducing road deaths to nearly zero by 2050.