This Tuesday, the European Parliament approved the modernization of driving license rules in the European Union, allowing 17 year olds can drive alongside an experienced driver and that the document now has a digital version accessible on your cell phone.
At the plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs gave the “green light” to the review of the rules, with new provisions on newly licensed drivers, digital licenses and stricter sanctions for offenders.
With the new rules, 17-year-olds will be able to obtain a driving license (category B)but they will have to drive accompanied by an experienced driver until they turn 18.
There is also a provision for a minimum probationary period of two years for all new drivers, with stricter rules regarding driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to use seat belts or child restraint systems.
To help combat the shortage of professional drivers, the new standards allow the truck license can be obtained at 18 years of age (category C) and buses at 21 (category D), as long as the candidate has a certificate of professional aptitude.
Another new feature is the digital letterwhich will become the main format throughout the European Union, accessible via mobile phone, progressively replacing the physical card.
The driving test will also be updated to include questions about blind spots, driver assistance systems and risks of distracted drivingnamely the use of cell phones.
As new cards will be valid for 15 years for cars and motorcycles, with Member States being able to reduce it to 10 years if the document also serves as identification. Not case of trucks and buses, the validity will be five years.
Countries may also reduce validity periods for drivers over 65imposing more frequent medical exams or refresher courses.
To issue or renew the license, a medical examination with assessment of vision and cardiovascular health.
The directive also introduces the sharing information between EU countries on seized, suspended or restricted licenses to prevent dangerous drivers from changing countries to escape sanctions.
The new rules will come into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Countries will have three years to transpose them into national law and one more to guarantee its application.
The proposal was initially presented by European Commission in March 2023.
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