ZAGREB, 22 Oct (Hina) - The European Parliament approved revised EU rules on driving licences, introducing a 15-year validity for standard licences and a two-year probationary period for novice drivers with stricter rules and penalties.
The new rules cover novice drivers, digital licences and driving disqualification, aiming to improve road safety and reduce the nearly 20,000 road deaths annually, the European Parliament (EP) said.
Applicants must now be tested on blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, the safe opening of doors and phone usage distraction risks. Training and exams will place greater emphasis on awareness of risks to pedestrians, children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Car and motorcycle licences will generally be valid for 15 years, though member states may reduce this to 10 years if the licence also serves as an ID. Lorry and bus licences will be valid for five years, and the period may be shortened for drivers over 65 to require more frequent medical checks or refresher courses. Drivers applying for a first licence or renewal must undergo a medical check, including tests of their eyesight and cardiovascular condition, though member states may opt to substitute the medical check for car drivers or motorcycle riders by self-assessment forms or other assessment systems designed at the national level.
Stricter rules for novice drivers
For the first time, EU rules will set a probationary period for inexperienced drivers of at least two years. These drivers will face stricter rules and sanctions for driving under the influence of alcohol and not using safety belts or child-restraint systems.
To mitigate the shortage of professional drivers, the new rules will allow 18-year-olds to obtain a licence to drive a truck (category C) and 21-year-olds to drive a bus (category D), provided they hold a certificate of professional competence. Otherwise, a person will have to be 21 and 24 respectively to drive these vehicles.
Cross-border enforcement
Member states will share information on licence revocations, suspensions or restrictions to enforce cross-border penalties. Authorities will have to notify each other promptly of driving disqualifications for serious offences, including drink- or drug-driving, involvement in a fatal accident and excessive speeding (e.g. driving 50 km/h faster than the speed limit).
Digital driving licence
Digital licences, accessible via mobile phones, are intended to become the main EU format. Citizens may still request a physical licence, which must be issued promptly, generally within three weeks.
The rules will take effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states have three years to transpose them into national law, plus an additional year to prepare for their implementation.
These revisions form part of the EU's road safety package, launched in March 2023, aimed at protecting all road users and progressing towards the "Vision Zero" goal of eliminating road deaths by 2050, the EP noted.
