Revision of the Directive on driving licences

In “A new era for European Defence and Security”

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In 2021, an estimated 19 800 people lost their lives on EU roads. To address this, the EU aims to achieve zero road fatalities by 2050, known as "Vision Zero." In line with this goal, the Commission published the road safety package in May 2023, including a proposal on the revision of the Directive on driving licences.

The current Directive (2006/126/EC) was published on 30 December 2006 (L403/18) and came into force 20 days after this publication date. It contains rules on driving licenses, which are essential elements of the common transport policy, contributing to improving road safety, as well as facilitating the free movement of persons within the European Union. Before there existed 110 different models of driving licenses, it now created only one uniform plastic model, mutual recognized between Member States. The Directive also foresees in minimum standards to the profession of examiners and driving tests, as well as anti-forgery measures and categories of vehicles and licenses required, including minimum ages.

These rules also relate to and touch upon other European regulations such as with regard to; the professional qualification of drivers of road vehicles for goods and passengers, tachographs in road transport, as well as temporary measures regarding e.g. licenses in view of the COVID-19 crisis.  

The European Commission has presented its proposal to revise the Driving License Directive on 1 March 2023. The rules will thereby be modernised  and include the introduction of a digital driving license valid throughout the EU. Key objective is to improve safety for road users for achieving its Vision Zero, which means having no deaths on EU roads by 2050. The proposed measures include a probation period of two years for novice drivers, zero-tolerance on drink-driving, accompanied driving from the age of 17, preparing for vulnerable road users and a more targeted assessment of medical fitness. The proposal takes into account new challenges for mobility, in particular in the digital field and will contribute to the Union’s objectives laid down in the 2020 Smart and Sustainable Mobility strategy. 

The European Commission has opened a consultation on this Directive, which was open until 16 May 2023.

In the Parliament, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is responsible for the file. The rapporteur, Karima Delli (Left/Greens, France), has been appointed on 3 May 2023. The draft report was published on 19 July 2023. 

The European Economic and Social Committee has published an opinion on 14 June 2023.

The Committee adopted the report  on 7 December 2023 by 22 votes in favour, 21 against and two abstentions. The report includes the following elements:

  • driving licences should be valid at least for 15 years for motorcycles, cars and tractors, and five years for trucks and buses, with some exceptions. The validity of driving licences of drivers aged 60 or over should be reduced to ensure that they are still fit to drive.
  • The report is against the self-assessment of driver fitness and is of the opinion that a medical examination should be compulsory for anyone taking a driving test or renewing a driving licence.
  • As novice drivers are responsible for many accidents, the report is in favour of a probationary driving period of at least two years, during which there would be certain restrictions for them, such as stricter penalties for unsafe driving, or lower speed limits and alcohol limits.
  • Because of the shortage of professional drivers, the report is in favour to allow 18 year olds to obtain a licence to drive a truck or a bus with up to 16 passengers, in case they hold a certificate of professional competence. If they do not, the age limit should be 21 years. Furthermore, 17 year olds could already obtain a driving licence for trucks if they are accompanied by an experienced driver.
  • The Committee report backs the Commission proposal to adapt driver training and testing to better prepare drivers for real driving situations and develop their risk awareness, especially to vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclist, and users of e-scooters and e-bikes.
  • Driver tests should include safe phone usage while driving, driving in difficult weather conditions, blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, and criteria related to environment and emissions. Furthermore, there should be a harmonised EU-wide framework covering both instructors and training for candidates.
  • The report is in favour of giving the possibility for drivers to get a digital driving licence, available on a mobile phone and fully equivalent to the physical driver's licence.

The Council adopted on 4 December its general approach on the file. While the Council supports the Commission proposal, it introduces several changes:

  • The Council wants that shortened validity periods for driving licences of older people remain the decision of Member States.
  • Physical and mental fitness tests prior to the issuance and renewal of driving licences should be outlined clearer, and they should be based on different systems developed in the Member States.
  • The requirements for the accompanying person in the accompanied driving scheme, which will be compulsory only for category B licence, must be refined.
  • The conditions for the probationary period must be formulated clearer, and adapted to the Member States’ competences and established practices.
  • There must be a possibility to have a theoretical exam, under certain conditions, in the Member State of citizenship when different from the member state of residence, but no such option for the practical test.

On 11 January 2024 the TRAN Committee report was tabled for Plenary. On 28 February 2024, the plenary adopted the Parliament's first reading position.

During the new mandate, on 3 September 2024 a new rapporteur was appointed (Jutta Paulus, Greens/EFA, Germany). On 7 October, the TRAN committee voted to start trilogue negotiations.

On 13 November 2024, a Committee referral was announced.

References:

Author: Monika Kiss, Members' Research Service, legislative-train@europarl.europa.eu

As of 24/01/2025.